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Terrorists in the early hours of Friday morning stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers.
Multiple community sources who visited the school after the attack confirmed the invasion, describing it as a coordinated operation that lasted between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, the Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara Local Government, also confirmed the incident, alongside Bello Gidi, media aide to the Chairman of Agwara Local Government.
Speaking with media, Gidi said, “Yes it’s true that bandits have kidnapped students and teachers at St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State.”
He further revealed the scale of the attack, stating, “The information that is reaching us is that they have kidnapped over 100 students and teachers. Also, it is a mixed school with boys and girls.”
However, the exact number of abducted persons remains unclear. Community members who spoke to our correspondent said the attackers whisked away “more than a dozen” children, but the figures circulating locally have not been independently verified.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement.
When contacted, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said he was still making efforts to confirm the incident.
The attack comes five days after terrorists stormed the Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State, abducting about 25 female students and killing at least one staff member.
A school guard was also injured during the attack, which occurred around 5:52 am.
The attackers invaded the school compound while the students were preparing for morning routines, launching their assault with sporadic gunfire.
PRESS RELEASE FROM SECRETARY TO STATE GOVERNMENT
Niger State Government Condemns Kidnapping of pupils in papiri area in Agwara local Government, Reiterates Earlier Security Directive
The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area. The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence report obtained the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District. In response to these credible security alerts, the State Government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure.
Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereexposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.
Security agencies have since commenced a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils. The Niger State Government is in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.
The Government urges school proprietors, community leaders, and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety. The protection of lives, especially those of our children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.
We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts.
Signed,
Alh. Abubakar Usman
Secretary to the Niger State Government
21-11-2025