A coordinated manhunt is underway in Niger State after armed terrorists invaded St. Mary Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, and abducted several students and staff members in the early hours of Friday.

According to a statement released by the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP W.A. Abiodun, the attackers stormed the school hostel around 2:00 a.m. and whisked away an unspecified number of students. The exact number of abductees is still being confirmed.

In response, police tactical squads, military personnel, and other security operatives have been deployed to the area. The teams are actively combing surrounding forests and communities in an intense search-and-rescue mission aimed at bringing the victims home safely.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, assured the public that the command is fully committed to rescuing the students unharmed. He urged residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and share any useful information that could assist the operation.

The incident adds to the growing concern over school safety in northern Nigeria, where similar attacks have taken place in recent years. Families and community members are anxiously awaiting updates as the rescue efforts continue.