Police confirms kidnap of students in St. Mary’s school, Niger

The Niger Police Command has confirmed 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 incident that happened on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, however, the Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.

According to the statement released by the Force, the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reiterated Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the management of the school for the continuing academic activities, contrary to State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.

Report has it that an unspecified number of students and staff have been kidnapped from St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Although full details are still emerging, sources told Daily Trust that several students were taken during a nighttime raid on the school.

A source from a Catholic church in the state confirmed the incident, adding that the school is currently compiling its records to determine the exact number of abducted persons.