The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private Catholic Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting an unspecified number of students from the school hostel in the early hours of Friday, November 21, 2025.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the command disclosed that the attack occurred around 2 a.m., prompting an immediate deployment of police tactical teams, military personnel, and other security agencies to the area in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
“The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the school’s hostel,” the statement read.
Abiodun added that security operatives are already combing the surrounding forests with the aim of rescuing the abducted students. He assured the public that the command is committed to ensuring the students’ safe return.
“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations,” the statement added.
The police further disclosed that the incident would be thoroughly investigated, noting that action would be taken against the school management for violating the state government’s directive ordering the closure of schools in the area due to prevailing security threats.
The latest attack comes just days after 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, heightening fears over escalating insecurity and renewed assaults on educational institutions in northern Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora has condemned the Agwara school attack and confirmed that it is working closely with security agencies and government authorities to secure the immediate and safe return of the students.
