Suspected bandits have abducted about 14 students of an Islamiyya school in Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari area of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, prompting a joint security operation to secure their release.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when armed men invaded a farm where the students were helping their Islamic school teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, harvest maize.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, with its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, clarifying that the number of abducted students was about 14, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that as many as 50 pupils had been taken.

In a statement, Abiodun said preliminary information indicated that the victims were students of an Islamiyya school who had accompanied their teacher to the farm for the harvest before the attackers struck.

He added that joint security teams had commenced rescue operations, assuring residents that further developments would be communicated as efforts to secure the victims’ freedom continued.

Although some media reports stated that the teacher was also abducted alongside the students, the police statement quoted in the available reports did not expressly confirm his status. His alleged abduction therefore remains subject to further official clarification.

The incident has also triggered political reactions in the state. Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago’s administration over what he described as its failure to adequately address the worsening security situation.

Vatsa accused the government of placing political activities ahead of residents’ safety and alleged that security agencies lacked sufficient operational vehicles and essential equipment to respond effectively to attacks. He also faulted the administration for repeatedly issuing condemnations and condolence messages without taking what he considered adequate preventive action.

However, the Niger State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, defended the administration, saying the government was deploying available resources and working with security agencies and other stakeholders to tackle insecurity, rescue abducted persons and prevent further attacks.

The latest incident has renewed concerns about the safety of rural communities in Niger State, particularly residents working on farms. As security operations continue, families and residents will be hoping for the safe return of the abducted students.