Police, military launch manhunt for abducted Niger schoolchildren

Security forces have launched a massive search-and-rescue operation in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, after gunmen abducted an unconfirmed number of students from St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School in the early hours of Friday.

In a statement on Friday, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said police tactical units, alongside military personnel and other security agencies, have been deployed to the area and are currently combing surrounding forests in a coordinated effort to locate and rescue the victims.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, assured the public that every resource is being mobilised to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.

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

Elleman also disclosed that the attack is under investigation, adding that disciplinary action would be taken against the school authorities for reopening and holding classes despite a government directive ordering schools in the area to shut down due to rising security threats.

“The Command confirms that on 21st November 2025, at about 2:00am, armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri, Agwara LGA, and abducted a yet-to-be-determined number of students from the hostel,” the statement read.

He added that security operatives are already on the ground and “combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students unhurt.”

Rescue operations remain ongoing.