Police operatives
Niger State Police Command on Friday said a special tactical squad has been dispatched to track down armed bandits who stormed St. Mary’s Private Secondary School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area, and abducted several students in the early hours of Friday.
According to locals, the school sits roughly eight kilometres from Agwara town along the Agwara–Borgu Road, a stretch that has witnessed sporadic security concerns in recent months.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the incident in Minna, explaining that the attack unfolded around 2 a.m. when gunmen “invaded the school hostel and whisked the students away.”
According to Abiodun, a joint security operation is already underway:
“Police tactical units, alongside military components and other security agencies, have been deployed to the area and are currently combing the adjoining forests to rescue the students,” he said.
He added that Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman has assured the public that every measure is being taken to secure the safe return of the victims.
While urging residents to remain calm and support ongoing operations, Abiodun also disclosed that the school may face sanctions for allegedly ignoring a government order to suspend academic activities in the area due to rising insecurity.
