IGP, Governor Bago Vow Swift Rescue of Abducted Niger Schoolchildren as Nigeria Confronts Deepening Security Crisis

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and Niger State Governor Umaru Bago have pledged an all-out effort to rescue the schoolchildren abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, describing the mass kidnapping as one of the most distressing security breaches the country has witnessed in recent years.

Speaking during a visit to Niger State, Egbetokun warned that Nigeria is facing “a deeply troubling security moment,” pointing out that the state has become a hotspot for violent attacks, mass displacement, and increasingly emboldened criminal groups. The IGP said the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from the school in Agwara Local Government Area was “one of the most heartbreaking incidents in recent times,” and condemned the growing trend of attacks targeting schoolchildren.

While acknowledging the escape of 50 pupils who have since reunited with their families, Egbetokun emphasized that rescuing the remaining abductees “weighs heavily on the nation’s conscience.” He announced that additional tactical units and intelligence assets have been deployed to Niger State as part of a coordinated push to safely recover the victims.

“We are prepared to give everything necessary to ensure the remaining pupils and their teachers are rescued unharmed,” he said, adding that the police would not allow criminal elements to further their agenda of terrorising communities and disrupting children’s education.

The IGP also expressed appreciation to Governor Bago, describing him as a committed partner in the fight against insecurity.

In his response, Governor Bago affirmed that Niger State remains fully aligned with federal efforts to rescue every child. He noted that the exact number of abducted pupils is still being verified due to conflicting figures from the school, the church, the Ministry of Education, and security agencies. However, he said the Department of State Services (DSS) has opened a registration desk for parents whose children are missing. As of Sunday, only 14 parents had formally registered, though many more are expected as authorities work to harmonize the data.

Bago stressed that the priority is not blame but recovery. “Even one missing child is too many. We will do everything within our power to recover them,” he said. The governor added that tactical and intelligence teams deployed by the IGP are already recording progress, with hopes of retrieving more captives soon.

Calling for unity and prayers, Bago urged Nigerians to put aside politics and stand together in defence of 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,” he said, while thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting ongoing security efforts.

More than 300 students were seized after terrorists invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Schools on Friday. Initial reports suggested 227 victims, but the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) later confirmed that 315 people were abducted. CAN also reported that 50 students escaped on Friday and Saturday and have since been reunited with their families.

The mass kidnapping has renewed national outrage and underscored Nigeria’s persistent security challenges, particularly in regions plagued by banditry, terrorism, and widespread fear.