Military Upscales Manhunt After Niger State Mass School Abduction
Security operations have been heightened across Niger State following the abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, visited the community on 22 November 2025, urging troops to sustain a vigorous offensive against the armed group responsible.
During his visit, the commander conducted a detailed assessment of the attack site to gain firsthand insight into the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
He was briefed by senior military leaders overseeing the region, including the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and the commander in charge of Sector 3 under OPFY.
The briefing covered ongoing joint efforts between the military, police, intelligence operatives, and local vigilante groups to track the criminals and secure the safe release of the victims.
Major General Idris commended the soldiers for their swift response but stressed that the operation must not lose momentum. He reiterated that those behind the kidnapping should not be allowed to regroup or escape, directing frontline units to intensify patrols, block escape routes, and pursue every actionable intelligence lead. According to him, the abductors are already under pressure and must continue to feel the weight of the military’s presence until the hostages are rescued.
He also assured troops that adequate logistics, manpower support, and operational assets would be provided to sustain the tempo of the mission.
The commander emphasized that restoring the students to their families remains the top priority, and no effort will be spared to accomplish that objective.
The abduction has caused anxiety across the state, with residents and parents calling for urgent intervention. Local leaders have urged community members to remain calm while providing security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue mission.
Schools in the vicinity have reportedly stepped up security measures as authorities work to prevent similar incidents.
As the search-and-rescue operation continues, the military has vowed to maintain a coordinated and unrelenting campaign aimed at dismantling the criminal networks responsible for repeated attacks on educational institutions in the region.
Authorities say updates will be shared with the public as progress is made, reaffirming their commitment to bringing the abducted children and staff home safely.
