Minna, Nov. 21, 2025 – The Niger State Government has confirmed the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government Area.
Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the State Government, confirmed the abduction in a statement on Friday.
The statement condemned the atrocity, describing it as deeply saddening and avoidable.
It, however, said the number of the abducted students had not been confirmed.
The statement said the government had earlier received credible intelligence indicating elevated security threats across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.
It said that in response, the State Government directed the suspension of all construction activities and the temporary closure of boarding schools within the affected areas as a proactive safety measure.
According to the statement, St. Mary’s School, the affected school, reopened without obtaining clearance from the government in violation of the directive.
The state government said it had since launched a full-scale investigation and intensified search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The government appealed to school owners, community leaders, and stakeholders across the state to adhere strictly to all security advisories issued in the interest of public safety.
