Police Tactical units combing forests to rescue Niger Catholic school students
Niger State security forces are currently conducting operations in the forests of Agwara Local Government Area to rescue students abducted from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri.
The attack occurred around 2 a.m. on Friday, though the exact number of students taken remains unconfirmed.
Wasiu Abiodun, the state police spokesperson, confirmed that tactical police units, military personnel, and other security agents have been deployed to the area. “The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has reiterated the command’s commitment to rescuing the students safely,” Abiodun said. He also appealed to the public to remain calm and support ongoing security operations.
The police have further stated that an investigation will determine necessary action against the school’s management for continuing academic activities in violation of the state government’s directive to keep schools closed due to security concerns.
Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the Niger State Government, noted that the attack happened despite prior intelligence warning of heightened security threats in the region. Usman added that the school reopened and resumed classes without notifying or obtaining clearance from the government.
Security forces are intensifying their search for the abducted students as authorities urge the public to cooperate with efforts to ensure their safe return.
