DSS Nabs Five Over Niger Catholic School Attack, Including Boko Haram Suspect

Abuja, Nigeria – The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspects, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic and a wanted Boko Haram terrorist, in connection with the November 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri village, Niger State, where 315 people were abducted. The suspects, who security sources say served as arms couriers and suppliers to the gunmen responsible for the attack, were apprehended during a series of intelligence-led operations that also led to the recovery of a large cache of military-grade weapons. Among those recovered were 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, concealed inside a blue vehicle used by the suspects. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in ongoing investigations into one of the deadliest mass kidnappings in Nigeria’s recent history, which triggered nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the security of educational institutions in vulnerable communities.

The attack occurred on November 21, 2025, when dozens of heavily armed gunmen on motorcycles stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary boarding school in Papiri village, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, in the early hours of the morning. The attackers overwhelmed local security personnel, forced their way into student hostels and staff residences, and rounded up students and teachers at gunpoint. According to official figures, the gunmen abducted 315 people, including 303 students and 12 teachers. The victims ranged in age from nursery school children to teenagers, with some barely out of nursery classes. The attack was one of the largest mass abductions from an educational institution in Nigeria’s troubled history.

In the chaos that followed the attack, approximately 50 students managed to escape within the first 24 hours. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman for the Northern Region and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who is also the proprietor of the school, confirmed that the pupils escaped between Friday and Saturday and had reunited with their parents. “We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents,” the bishop said in a statement. “This is to notify the public that, as of Sunday, November 23, 2025, we have received some good news as fifty pupils escaped and have reunited with their parents.” Following the escapes, the bishop confirmed that 265 people — 253 children and 12 teachers — remained in captivity. The diocese formally submitted the verified names of the missing teachers and children to Niger State Governor Umar Bago for state-level rescue coordination.

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Tragically, the abduction had devastating consequences beyond the immediate victims. Bishop Yohanna disclosed that shock from the incident claimed the lives of two parents who died of heart attacks. One parent reportedly lost three children to the abduction. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who had initially denied that any abduction took place, later officially acknowledged the incident during the inauguration of commissioners and elected local government chairmen. He requested a minute of silence for the two parents who died of shock. “Three weeks ago, we woke up with the terrifying news of the abduction of our children and teachers. Thank God we have rescued 100 and we hope that the remaining are rescued and reunited with their families soon,” the governor said.

After slightly over a month in captivity, on December 21, 2025, the Federal Government and Niger State officials confirmed the rescue and safe return of the remaining captives. Government officials stated that not a single pupil remained in the custody of the abductors, and all abducted students were successfully reunited with their families. The rescue operation involved joint security efforts and federal interventions. According to reports, 100 captives were rescued in early December, while the final batch of approximately 130 children and staff was freed on December 21, 2025.

According to the DSS and counter-insurgency publication Zagazola Makama, the five arrested suspects include a wanted Boko Haram terrorist and two Nigerien nationals suspected of supplying arms to the gunmen responsible for the attack. The first two suspects were intercepted along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway while reportedly on their way to receive a consignment of arms for their commanders. They were identified as Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, who is on the wanted list of Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (Boko Haram) terrorist organization, and Mubarak Ibrahim, his alleged accomplice. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Goni Ibrahim, described by security operatives as an international arms courier from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic. Ibrahim was arrested alongside Tukur Sani, who was identified as his accomplice. Days after the initial arrests, the DSS extended its dragnet to Yauri, Kebbi State, where operatives arrested the fifth suspect, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe. He is alleged to be a major supplier of arms to criminal elements operating within the Kebbi axis and surrounding regions.

Security sources disclosed that the weapons were concealed in a blue vehicle used by the suspects during their movement along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a hidden compartment containing 15 AK-103 assault rifles, 15 loaded magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. The recovery of such a significant cache of military-grade weapons has raised fresh concerns among security experts regarding the scale of cross-border arms trafficking fueling banditry and school abductions across north-central and northwestern Nigeria. The active participation of foreign nationals from neighboring Niger Republic highlights the transnational nature of the threat.

Preliminary investigations, according to security sources, have established that all five suspects played key roles in supplying weapons to the gunmen who carried out the November 21, 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri. The DSS stated that the suspects remain in custody and are providing useful information that could help dismantle the wider syndicate supplying arms to bandits across north-central and northwestern Nigeria. The Service has pledged to track down additional members of the syndicate, including those involved in procuring, transporting, and distributing weapons to criminal organizations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the DSS said the operation began with the interception of three suspects along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway and gradually uncovered a wider arms trafficking network. The Service reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting arms trafficking networks and strengthening collaboration with other security agencies to combat kidnapping, banditry, and related threats to national security. The DSS has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security personnel as mop-up operations continue within the region’s forest reserves.

Key facts from the case include the following: the date of the attack was November 21, 2025; the location was St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri village, Agwara LGA, Niger State; 315 people were abducted including 303 students and 12 teachers; 50 students escaped within 24 hours; two parents died of shock following the abduction; the final rescue occurred on December 21, 2025; five suspects have been arrested including two Nigerien nationals and one Boko Haram member; and weapons recovered included 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had not issued a detailed official statement beyond the initial confirmation of the arrests. However, multiple security sources have confirmed the development and the significant breakthrough in dismantling the arms trafficking network behind the Papiri school abduction.

DSS Nabs Five Over Niger Catholic School Attack, Including Boko Haram Suspect

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Kogi State, Nigeria – Residents of Ayegunle Bunu in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State were thrown into panic in the early hours of Monday following a deadly bandit attack that reportedly claimed one life and led to the abduction of more than 30 people. According to preliminary reports, the attack occurred at about 2:25 a.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, with one person reportedly killed during the incident, while another sustained injuries. The bandits, who operated for several minutes before fleeing with dozens of captives, barricaded the major road and intercepted travellers passing through the community.

Sources within the community disclosed that two residents of Ayegunle Bunu—a man described as a pastor and a woman—were among those kidnapped by the attackers. The remaining victims were said to be passengers travelling in a commercial bus that was intercepted by the gunmen while passing through the area. The bandits reportedly forced the passengers out of the vehicle at gunpoint before marching them into nearby bushes.

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Commissioner of Police Naziru Kankarofi, while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the Passing-Out Parade of 565 newly trained police constables at the Command Headquarters in Lokoja, said investigations are ongoing and that his men have since launched efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Oyiza Afusat Salihu, also confirmed that security agencies are working around the clock to rescue the kidnapped victims. She assured residents that the command has deployed additional tactical units to the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of those abducted.

In a major development following the attack, troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army deployed in Kabba responded swiftly to distress calls and successfully rescued 23 kidnapped passengers. According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when the attackers barricaded the road and abducted an unspecified number of passengers. Security sources revealed that the attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. , with armed men blocking the road and attacking commuters travelling along the route.

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When troops arrived at the scene, the assailants had already fled into the surrounding forest. However, soldiers discovered two dead bodies and five injured victims at the scene, as well as two Toyota commercial buses and a HOWO truck abandoned by the roadside. The vehicles appeared to have been hurriedly deserted as passengers fled or were taken captive. A security source familiar with the operation said: “The troops immediately launched a pursuit operation along the kidnappers’ withdrawal routes, leading to the rescue of 23 passengers who had been abandoned due to the sustained pressure from the military.” The injured victims were evacuated to St. Joseph Hospital, Kabba, for medical attention. Hospital sources confirmed that the five injured persons were receiving treatment and were in stable condition as of Monday afternoon.

Military sources confirmed that operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing attackers and rescue any remaining victims still in captivity. Surveillance and clearance operations have been intensified in the area to prevent further attacks and ensure the safety of road users travelling through the Ayegunle Bunu axis. The Ayegunle–Bunu axis has reportedly recorded repeated cases of kidnapping and banditry in recent times, prompting a stronger military response to secure the corridor. The Nigerian Army has pledged to maintain pressure on criminal elements operating along major highways in Kogi State.

Residents of Ayegunle Bunu and surrounding communities have been left in shock and fear following the brazen attack. The assault, which marked a violent start to the month of June, has raised fresh concerns about the deteriorating security situation along major highways and rural communities in Kogi State. One resident, who pleaded anonymity for safety reasons, told reporters: “We heard gunshots around 2 a.m. and everyone ran inside. By the time we came out in the morning, we learned that one of our neighbours had been killed and many people, including our pastor, had been taken away. We are living in constant fear.”

The latest incident comes barely 24 hours after the Kogi State Government suspended the Echane Festival in Ebiraland, citing security concerns. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said the suspension followed credible intelligence indicating that activities associated with the festival could threaten public peace.

Key facts from the attack include the following: the date of the attack was Monday, June 1, 2026; the time was approximately 2:25 a.m. according to preliminary reports or 3:30 a.m. according to army operational reports; the location was Ayegunle Bunu community, Kabba-Bunu LGA, Kogi State; casualties included one confirmed dead and five injured who are receiving treatment; over 30 people were abducted including a pastor and a woman from the community plus commercial bus passengers; 23 passengers were rescued by Nigerian Army troops; two Toyota commercial buses and one HOWO truck were recovered; and a manhunt is ongoing as security agencies work to rescue remaining victims.

As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official statement on the incident. Efforts are ongoing to determine the exact number of abducted persons and gather further details surrounding the attack. Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious movements in their communities to the nearest police station or military formation.

Kogi Bandit Attack Leaves One Dead, 30 Abducted as Troops Rescue 23 in Early Morning Raid

Oyo Abduction: Principal in Captivity Warns Military Action Could Trigger Massacre of 46 Hostages

Oyo State, Nigeria – A fresh video released by kidnappers holding 46 victims in Oyo State has shown one of the abductees, school principal Rachael Alamu, appealing directly to the Federal Government to pursue dialogue instead of military force, warning that a planned rescue operation could get them all killed. The video was uploaded online after President Bola Tinubu ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to secure the release of the victims, who have been held captive by an armed gang for over two weeks.

Speaking under duress from an undisclosed location within a forest in Oriire Local Government Area, Alamu said the kidnappers became agitated following reports that security operatives had been sent into the area. “We learned that yesterday some army was sent, and that has compounded our problems. It has added to our troubles,” she said in the video. According to the principal, the development has heightened tensions inside the kidnappers’ camp, with the abductors allegedly threatening retaliation if security forces attempt to enter the bush.

In a desperate plea, Alamu revealed that the captors had already selected one hostage for possible execution, accusing authorities of relying on force rather than engaging through negotiations. “Please, I am here again to beg the government. President Tinubu and the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, to please help us and dialogue with these people. They should not use force. The force they have used yesterday has caused us so much. In fact, one of us has been picked that they are going to kill him because the government tried to help us by force,” she said. She appealed directly to government officials and security agencies to consider non-military options. “We are pleading with you not to force yourself into the bush, but please call them and dialogue with them so that the problem can be solved, and we will be able to go home alive.”

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The abductee further alleged that the kidnappers had threatened to kill all the victims if security personnel returned to the area. “They have promised to kill all of us if any of the armies come into the bush again. Please, we are pleading with you. We are begging you in the name of God,” she added.

The mass kidnapping occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed gunmen simultaneously raided three schools in Oriire Local Government Area: Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele; Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School; and L.A. Primary School. According to community leaders and official reports, 46 people were taken hostage. This includes seven teachers and 39 students, with some reports indicating the number of children could be as high as 46 depending on the source. The victims range in age from just two years old to 16 years old. Among the abducted is a two-year-old toddler, Christianah Akanbi, and a nursing mother, Mary Akanbi, who is one of the teachers.

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu authorized a significant security surge in Oyo State. A high-powered delegation led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa visited the affected communities. The President has approved the immediate recruitment of 1,000 local forest guards to secure forest corridors often used as hideouts by criminal gangs. Additionally, a specialized tactical unit has been deployed to Ogbomoso to coordinate the rescue effort. However, authorities have stated that the operation will be “intelligence-led” to prioritize the safety of the hostages. The Presidency has also defended its strategy of operational secrecy, arguing that public updates could compromise security efforts. “The kidnappers are on social media with us and follow the trends to get updates,” a presidential aide said.

The trauma of the event has paralyzed normal life in Oyo State. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) declared an indefinite, open-ended strike starting Monday, June 1, protesting against the continued detention of their colleagues and students. Parents have kept children home from school, and there is widespread fear across the affected communities.

Oyo Abduction: Principal in Captivity Warns Military Action Could Trigger Massacre of 46 Hostages