The Niger State Government has condemned the kidnapping of pupils from St Mary’s School in Agwara Local Government Area.
In a statement signed by Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the State Government, the authorities blamed the school for resuming academic activities despite intelligence warnings of potential attacks across the Niger North Senatorial District.
The statement noted that: “This unfortunate incident comes despite a prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
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“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.”
The government added that by reopening without notification or clearance, the school exposed pupils and staff to avoidable risks.
It further emphasised that security agencies had launched a full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operation:
“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.”
The government also appealed to the public to remain calm and provide security agencies with any useful information that could support rescue efforts.
Police react
However, the state Police Command confirmed the abduction in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun.
Abiodun said police tactical teams and military units had been deployed to Papiri for an urgent rescue operation.
His statement read: “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, a report indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel”.
He added that police tactical units, military components and other security agencies were combing the surrounding forests to rescue the abducted pupils.
“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students”.
He further assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action would be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities contrary to the government’s directive.
Catholic Church reacts
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also condemned the attack, describing it as a traumatic experience for the school community.
In a statement on Friday, the Diocese’s Secretary, Jatau Joseph, confirmed that the attack occurred between 1:00am and 3:00am.
“This is to inform us that armed attackers invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary school in Papiri, Niger State, in the early hours of 21st November, 2025, abducting some pupils, students, teachers and a security personnel who was badly shot.
“The catholic Diocese of Kontagora strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families”.
According to Joseph, security agencies were alerted immediately and had begun coordinated efforts to ensure the safe rescue and return of all victims.
“The Bishop assured the public that the Diocese is actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities,” the statement added.
He urged the public to remain calm, support security efforts, and continue praying for the safe and swift return of the abducted persons.
He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to protecting children and assured that further updates would be provided as verified information became available.
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He also prayed that “the Lord should grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all danger.”
As of press time, the New Daily Prime could not confirm the number of abducted pupils, as neither security agencies nor the government had released verified figures.
