Security operations have intensified in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, following the abduction of an unconfirmed number of students from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in the early hours of Friday.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said police tactical units, military components, and other security agencies have been deployed to the area and are currently combing nearby forests in a coordinated rescue operation.

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The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, assured the public of the Command’s determination to rescue all abducted students unhurt.

He urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could support the ongoing operation.

The CP also disclosed that the incident is under investigation and warned that appropriate action will be taken against the school management for reopening and continuing academic activities despite the Niger State Government’s earlier directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to heightened security threats.

The rescue efforts remain ongoing as security forces intensify the search for the missing students.

The statement read, “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received 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.

“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.

“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 this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.”