Summary
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, together with Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has pledged unwavering commitment to ensuring the safe recovery of all schoolchildren kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Both leaders described the incident as one of the most disturbing security violations witnessed in the country in recent years.
During his visit to Niger State, Egbetokun voiced deep concern over the deteriorating security environment, noting that the region has increasingly become a target for violent attacks, widespread displacement, and emboldened criminal groups. He warned that Nigeria is facing “a deeply troubling security moment,” stressing that only a unified and coordinated effort across government, security formations, local leadership, and communities can halt the escalating threats.
The IGP condemned the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, describing it as an especially devastating event. Although he commended the successful escape and reunion of 50 abducted pupils with their families, he said the burden of rescuing the remaining victims “weighs heavily on the nation’s conscience.”
According to him, the police have already deployed additional tactical units to the state, strengthened intelligence operations, and are prepared to commit all necessary resources to guarantee the safe return of every missing child and teacher. He also expressed appreciation to Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for his consistent support for policing initiatives, calling him a committed partner in the fight against insecurity.
Egbetokun vowed that criminal elements would not be allowed to push forward their objectives, stressing that attacks directed at schoolchildren amount to “acts of terrorism designed to deny children their right to education.”
‘No Life Must Be Lost’
Responding, Governor Bago assured the IGP that Niger State is fully aligned with ongoing rescue operations. He noted that the precise number of missing pupils has not yet been conclusively determined, but efforts are underway to gather verified data.
He explained that the Department of State Services (DSS) has opened a registration point for parents whose children are missing. By Sunday, 14 parents had registered, though the number is expected to rise. Bago admitted that conflicting figures have emerged from the school, the church, the Ministry of Education, and security agencies, but insisted that the priority is saving lives rather than assigning fault.
“Even one missing child is too many. We will do everything within our power to recover them,” he stated, adding that tactical and intelligence teams dispatched by the IGP are already recording progress, with expectations of further breakthroughs soon. He appealed for calm, unity, and prayers, urging Nigerians to put aside politics and focus on protecting the nation’s future.
“Our sovereignty is being threatened. This is not the time for blame games but a time to work together and save our country,” Bago said, while also extending gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting the state’s security initiatives.
Abduction
More than 300 students were seized when armed attackers stormed the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, last Friday. Earlier reports estimated the number at 227, but the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) later confirmed that 315 people had been kidnapped.
CAN also announced on Sunday that 50 of the abducted children managed to escape between Friday and Saturday and have since returned home to their families.
In response to the wave of kidnappings across states, President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive security lockdown around forests in Kwara State. The president also directed the Nigerian Air Force to expand surveillance over forest areas in Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi, where terrorists are believed to be hiding.
What You Should Know
This incident marks one of the most severe mass abductions in recent months, prompting an intensified joint effort between federal and state authorities.
With conflicting reports surrounding the exact number of missing pupils, the situation remains fluid, but security forces have broadened operations to locate and recover every victim.
The federal government has activated stronger surveillance measures across forest regions, underscoring the urgency and national importance of the rescue mission.
