Terrorist abducted several students and staff members from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State.
The attack took place between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday.
In a statement, the Niger State Government said it received with deep sadness the report of the kidnapping. Officials noted that the exact number of abducted pupils had yet to be confirmed as security agencies continued their assessment.
The statement, signed by Abubakar Usman, secretary to the state government, explained that authorities had earlier obtained intelligence pointing to rising security threats in parts of the northern senatorial district.
In response to those warnings, the government suspended all construction activities and ordered the temporary closure of boarding schools in the affected zone.
According to the state, St. Mary’s School reopened and resumed academic activities without informing or seeking clearance from authorities.
Security agencies have begun a full investigation and search-and-rescue operation to secure the release of the pupils.
The government said it remained in close contact with security formations and would provide updates as more information became available.
It urged school proprietors and community leaders to follow security advisories issued for public safety.
The administration reaffirmed that the protection of lives, especially those of children, remained its highest priority.
The incident comes shortly after the abduction of 25 female students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
During that attack, Hassan Makuku, the vice-principal of the school, was killed, while a security guard, Ali Shehu, suffered a gunshot wound to his right hand.
