By Abiola Olawale
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed the immediate deployment of armed tactical teams to secure the release of students kidnapped from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State.
The attack, which occurred at St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, took place in the early hours of Friday morning.
While the exact number of students abducted remains unconfirmed, local media sources have reported that up to 52 schoolchildren were abducted, along with an unspecified number of staff.
Meanwhile, the Niger state police command has revealed that police tactical teams and military components are “combing the forests” with a view to rescuing the abducted students unhurt.
Wasiu Abiodun, police spokesperson in the state, said in a statement that tactical police teams, military units, and other security agents have been deployed in the area.
The statement reads in part: “In view of this, the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.
“He further assured that this incident will be investigated and necessary action will be taken against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.”
