Abduction: Catholic school defied closure order ― Niger police

The Niger State Police Command has alleged that St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, defied the state government’s directive ordering the closure of schools in the area.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked the school in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025, and abducted an unspecified number of students and staff members.

Speaking on the incident via a statement issued on Friday, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, quoted the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, as saying that necessary action would be taken against the school management for allegedly defying the state government directive ordering the closure of schools.

Abiodun disclosed that the incident occurred at about 2 a.m. on Friday, when armed bandits invaded the school hostel and whisked the students away.

‘Pupils were abducted’: Niger Catholic school confirms bandit attack

“He (Elleman) 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,” Abiodun stated.

Elleman, however, assured that the command would ensure the safe release of the victims.

The police commissioner also urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as operations continue, adding that police tactical units, alongside military and other security agencies have been deployed to the area and are currently combing the adjoining forests to rescue the kidnapped victims.

The Star