Niger State has shut down all primary and secondary schools across the state in response to the abduction of pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Governor Umaru Bago issued the order shortly after meeting with heads of security agencies on Saturday, directing that every public, private, missionary and Islamic school remain closed until further notice. Federal Government Colleges were also included in the shutdown.

The decision was expanded to cover all tertiary institutions in Niger North and vulnerable communities in Niger East, as authorities move to prevent further attacks.

According to the governor’s spokesman, Bologi Ibrahim, the directive is part of an emergency response aimed at creating room for a focused rescue operation. Governor Bago urged security operatives, religious leaders, civil society groups and labour unions to channel their efforts toward retrieving the abducted pupils.

He described the kidnapping as a troubling setback and noted that the exact number of victims is still being verified by the DSS, police and other agencies who are conducting a headcount.

The move comes as other states take similar precautions. Katsina and Plateau both ordered school closures on Friday due to rising attacks on educational institutions, while the federal government has shut all 47 Unity Colleges nationwide over growing security concerns.