The number of students and staff kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State has risen to 315, according to updated intelligence received by security agencies on Saturday.
Initial reports had placed the number of abducted victims at about 200, but officials involved in the rescue operations confirmed that the latest headcount from the school and families shows a significant increase in the number of missing persons.
A senior security source disclosed that the terrorists, who launched the attack between 2am and 3am on Friday, moved the victims in multiple groups toward forested areas bordering the Niger Republic.
“After reconciling the school’s register with information from parents and community members, the figure now stands at 315,” the source said.
“We are tracking their movement, and forces have been deployed to multiple routes.”
FG, Niger Govt Intensify Rescue Efforts
The Federal Government on Friday ordered the temporary closure of schools in vulnerable areas across Niger and neighbouring states as search-and-rescue operations continue.
Security agencies, including the military, police, and DSS, have expanded operations across Agwara, Borgu, and Rijau, using aerial surveillance and ground teams to trace the abductors.
The Niger State Government confirmed that St. Mary’s Catholic School had reopened against an earlier closure directive, a decision officials say contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
Nationwide Outrage as Security Concerns Deepen
The abduction has triggered widespread condemnation across the country.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the incident as “heartbreaking,” calling for a state of emergency on insecurity.
Parents, civil society groups, and education unions have also criticised the repeated targeting of schools in northern Nigeria.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, which oversees the affected school, called for “urgent and decisive action” to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Third Major School Kidnapping in a Week
The Niger attack comes just days after gunmen abducted 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, and following another kidnapping at a church-run school earlier in the week, intensifying fear across rural communities.
Authorities warn that schools in high-risk areas will remain closed until security improves.
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