JUST IN: Security agencies comb forests after abduction of Catholic students in Niger state

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed media reports that terrorists abducted an unconfirmed number of students from St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara local government area of the state at about 2am in the early hours of Friday,

The command said police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have been deployed to the area and are combing the surrounding forests to rescue the students.

Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, Niger Commissioner of Police, reiterated the command’s commitment to rescuing the students unhurt.

He urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing security operations.

Elleman said the incident will be investigated, adding that necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities despite a state government directive ordering school closures in the area due to security concerns.