Police, Military deployed to rescue abducted students from St. Mary’s School, Papiri

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, in the early hours of 21st November 2025, abducting an as-yet-undetermined number of students from the school hostel.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m., prompting immediate deployment of police tactical units, military personnel, and other security agencies to the scene.

The security forces are currently combing the surrounding forests to rescue the kidnapped students.

Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reassured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring the safe recovery of the students.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm and support the ongoing rescue operations.

The CP further stated that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action would be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities despite a state government directive to close schools in the area due to security risks.