Bandits abduct pupils in Niger community as government blames school for ignoring security warning
Maureen Aguta
The Niger State Government has condemned the abduction of pupils from St. Mary’s School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, describing the incident as a tragic consequence of ignoring a prior security directive issued in response to heightened bandit activity in the region.
The attack, which occurred earlier this week, is the latest in a troubling resurgence of banditry across parts of Niger North Senatorial District—a zone that has suffered repeated assaults on rural communities, schools and transport routes in recent months.
Although the government says the exact number of abducted pupils has not yet been confirmed, security agencies have launched search-and-rescue operations to track the kidnappers, believed to be part of a network operating between Niger and neighbouring states.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, intelligence reports received weeks earlier indicated an uptick in criminal movements around Agwara, Borgu and some parts of Magama LGAs. Acting on those warnings, the administration ordered an immediate suspension of construction activities and the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the risk zone.
However, St. Mary’s School reportedly reopened without notifying or seeking clearance from the state authorities—a move the government says exposed pupils and staff to preventable danger.
“This unfortunate incident comes despite prior intelligence indicating increased threat levels,” Usman said. “Regrettably, St. Mary’s proceeded to resume academic activities without clearance, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable risk.”
Communities in Niger North have in recent years endured escalating bandit attacks, with criminals targeting farmlands, kidnap-prone riverine corridors and school routes.
Residents of Agwara and neighbouring communities say movements have become increasingly restricted, especially in the early mornings and late evenings, as armed groups penetrate remote settlements from forest hideouts.
Security sources familiar with the area noted that the bandits often take advantage of difficult terrain and limited security presence. “Agwara is one of the most challenging LGAs to secure because of its vast, sparsely populated landmass and border links,” a senior security officer said on Wednesday. “These groups move in small cells, hitting soft targets like schools.”
The state government says it is in continuous communication with security formations coordinating the rescue efforts. Troops, local vigilantes and intelligence teams have reportedly intensified surveillance across possible escape routes.
Usman urged school owners, community leaders and local authorities to obey security advisories without exception, stressing that the government’s priority remains the protection of lives—especially children.
“We call on the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing any useful information that may aid ongoing efforts,” he said.
It is not the first time schools in Niger State have been targeted. In previous years, several mass kidnappings—including the Tegina and Kagara student abductions—forced the state to adopt stricter school safety measures. Despite these interventions, persistent bandit operations continue to threaten educational access in vulnerable areas.
As search efforts intensify, anxious families in Papiri and surrounding communities are hoping for the safe return of the abducted children, even as renewed calls grow for stronger security deployment and stricter enforcement of safety directives across rural Niger.