Insecurity: Niger State Government Shuts All Schools Till Further Notice

In a sweeping and urgent security directive, the Niger State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all public and private primary and secondary schools following the latest kidnapping of students in the state.

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago announced the drastic measure on Saturday after a high-level security meeting with heads of security agencies. The decision follows the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area — an attack he described as “sad and unfortunate.”

The shutdown extends beyond standard schools. Governor Bago confirmed that all Missionary schools, Islamic schools, and Federal Government Colleges — including FGC Minna — have also been closed indefinitely.

Tertiary institutions will remain open, except for those located in “defined vulnerable areas” across Niger North and Niger East Senatorial Districts.

The governor emphasized that the state’s immediate priority is the rescue of the abducted children and other kidnap victims. He called on security agencies, civil society organizations, organized labour groups, and religious leaders to direct their efforts toward securing the students’ safe return.

“We are focused on rescuing the children,” Bago said, noting that the total number of kidnapped students has not yet been confirmed. Security agencies, including the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other operatives, are currently conducting a headcount to determine the exact figure.

The incident has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges faced by Niger State and the broader northern region, where schools have increasingly become targets of armed groups.

Bologi Ibrahim, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, released the official statement on November 22, 2025.