Latest News in Niger State

Latest news in Niger State November 2025: Mass kidnapping at St Mary School Agwara, over 50-200 abducted, government response, ongoing banditry—full updates and analysis.

Niger State made global headlines on November 21, 2025, when armed bandits stormed St. Mary's Catholic School in Agwara LGA, abducting dozens of pupils, students, and staff in a pre-dawn raid. This incident—the second mass school kidnapping in Nigeria within a week—has intensified calls for urgent action against rising banditry in the North-Central region. Stay informed with this comprehensive roundup of the latest news in Niger State, including security crises, government responses, and ongoing challenges as of November 21, 2025.

Breaking: Mass Abduction at St. Mary School in Agwara LGA

Gunmen attacked St. Mary's Papiri Private Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area, between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025.

The bandits invaded dormitories, fired shots to create panic, and marched victims into nearby forests. A security guard was shot and critically injured.

Reports vary on numbers:

• Initial police statements: "Unascertained" victims.
• Local media and church sources: 52–over 200 abducted, including children as young as 3–4 years old from the primary section.
• Some eyewitness relatives claim over 100 pupils and staff taken.

The school reportedly defied a government directive to close boarding facilities due to prior intelligence on threats in Niger North.

The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State condemned the attack, urging calm and prayers for safe rescue.

Full details from Vanguard Newspaper and Daily Post Nigeria.

Quick CTA: Follow updates on this developing story—bookmark this page and refresh for rescues or official statements.

Government and Security Response to the Niger State Abduction

Niger State Government expressed "deep sadness" and blamed school management for resuming activities against warnings.

• Joint police-military-vigilante teams deployed to comb forests.
• Commissioner of Police CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman vows unharmed rescue.
• Governor Mohammed Umar Bago under pressure amid similar Kebbi incident.

President Bola Tinubu, already monitoring Kebbi kidnappings, expected to address the crisis soon.

Context: Ongoing Kidnapping in Niger State and Agwara LGA

Agwara LGA, bordering Kebbi and Benin Republic, has become a bandit hotspot due to vast forests and porous borders.

Recent incidents in Niger State (2025:

• November 14: Bandits killed 16 vigilantes, abducted 42 in Mashegu LGA.
• November 5: Attack on House of Reps member's convoy in Borgu/Agwara.
• November 8: Arrests after assault on Governor Bago's convoy.

The "Lakurawa" group and other bandits demand ransoms, exploit farmer-herder clashes.

This St. Mary attack follows Monday's abduction of 25 girls in Kebbi, highlighting regional crisis.

See Reuters analysis on Nigeria's kidnapping surge here.

Imagine an infographic here: Map of Niger State highlighting Agwara, Mashegu, and recent attack sites with timeline.

For broader North-Central insecurity, read our guide to banditry in Nigeria 2025.

Other Niger State News Today (November 2025 Roundup)

Beyond security, Niger State saw these developments:

• November 5: APC landslide in local government elections; Speaker praises peaceful polls despite isolated violence in Kontagora.
• November 9: Police arrest suspects in Governor Bago convoy attack.
• Ongoing: Farmer-herder clashes and infrastructure projects in Minna.

Positive notes include federal support for hydropower and agriculture.

Impact on Residents and Calls for Action

Families in Agwara are devastated; communities deserted as residents flee.

CAN and diocese demand immediate rescue and better protection for schools.

National figures like Atiku Abubakar call for security emergency declaration.

International concern rises amid reports of targeted Christian institutions.

How to Stay Safe and Get Reliable Niger State News Updates

In high-risk areas:

• Avoid night travel.
• Report suspicious activity to police hotlines.
• Enroll children in day schools where possible.
• Use community vigilantes alongside formal security.

Reliable sources:

• Vanguard, Premium Times, Daily Post, Punch.
• Official Niger State Government Twitter.
• NCC emergency line 112.

The latest news in Niger State as of November 21, 2025, centers on the heartbreaking St. Mary School abduction in Agwara—yet another reminder of Nigeria's urgent security needs. While operations continue for safe rescue, this incident underscores demands for stronger measures against kidnapping in Niger State.

What's your view on solutions—more military, community policing, or dialogue? Share respectfully in comments. Forward this guide to loved ones in Niger State, and subscribe for real-time alerts on Niger State news today. Together, demand #SecureNigerState—stay safe!