Overview
- Police in Niger state confirmed an overnight raid on St. Mary’s in Papiri and said tactical units and military forces are combing nearby forests with local trackers.
- Reported totals have shifted sharply from early local estimates of about 52 to the Christian Association of Nigeria’s updated count of 315 abducted.
- State officials faulted the school for reopening despite security warnings, a claim church leaders rejected, saying no formal closure notice was received.
- No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, and authorities say search and rescue operations remain underway.
- The attack followed the seizure of 25 students in neighboring Kebbi earlier in the week, drawing increased international attention including recent U.S. statements on violence against Christians.