Terrorists Strike Niger School, Abduct Students, Teachers.

Gunman.

Terrorists have allegedly abducted several students and teachers from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in the Papiri community of Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State.

The attack was said to have taken place around 2am today.

The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, confirmed the incident, noting that the exact number of abducted pupils had not yet been determined.

According to him, “the exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.”

The State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Ellema, who also verified the attack, stated that police tactical teams, military units, and other security agencies had already moved to the scene and were combing the surrounding forests in an effort to rescue the abducted students.

In a statement, Usman explained that the attack happened despite earlier intelligence warnings of an increased threat level across parts of the Niger North Senatorial District.

He said that, in response to the intelligence, the government issued directives suspending all construction work and temporarily shutting down all boarding schools in the region as a preventive measure.

He added that security agencies had commenced full investigations and launched search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped students.

The government further assured the public that it was in continuous communication with security agencies and would share updates as the situation developed.

Also confirming the incident, the Head of Department, Disaster and Relief, Agwara Local Government, Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, said the number of abducted students and staff was still being verified.

When contacted, the Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said additional information would be provided later.