Police, Military Launch Manhunt to Rescue Abducted Niger Students
A joint team of police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies has launched a rapid search-and-rescue operation in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, following the abduction of an unspecified number of students from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School.
The attack occurred at about 2:00 am on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits invaded the school hostel and took away several students.
The exact number of abducted students remains unknown as authorities continue verification.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, immediately deployed special police units alongside military support to track the attackers and rescue the students.
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He stated that security forces are currently combing forests and major escape routes around Papiri and neighbouring communities.
The Police Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescuing the students unhurt, urging residents to remain calm and provide useful information to aid the operation.
CP Elleman also confirmed that the incident will be thoroughly investigated, especially the decision of the school to continue academic activities despite the Niger State Government’s earlier directive suspending schooling in the area due to heightened security threats.
He assured that necessary action would be taken against the school management for violating the closure order.
The abduction adds to recent concerns over escalating attacks on educational institutions in parts of the North-West and regions.
Further updates are expected as the rescue operation intensifies.
By PRNigeria
