Dare Babalola
The Niger State Police Command confirmed that armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, around 2 a.m. on November 21, 2025, abducting an undetermined number of students from the school hostel.
According to a statement by the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP W.A. Abiodun, on Friday, Police tactical units, military personnel, and other security agencies have been deployed to the area to rescue the abducted students, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, assuring that every effort will be made to rescue them unharmed.
The statement reads, “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.”
The incident comes days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in schools across the region.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has condemned the attack and is working with security operatives and government authorities to secure the students’ safe return.
