Abduction of students in Niger caused by NAF airstrikes – Report

Ebun Emmanuel — November 21, 2025

The abduction of 50 students and staff members in a secondary school in Niger State may not be unconnected with massive airstrikes in the Shiroro axis by Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

The PRNigeria is reports that the action by terrorists is in retaliation for the NAF airstrikes that killed scores of bandits and two of their commanders.

The abduction comes just days after the mass abduction of schoolgirls in an all-girls secondary school in neighbouring Kebbi State.

The invaded area, close to the Borgu axis, is near a notorious enclave of terrorists operating around the Kainji Dam.

A source within the school confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft may have prevented a more devastating outcome, as the noise from the hovering aircraft forced the well-armed bandits to flee quickly with some of the students.

“We are grateful that the timely arrival of aircraft that were hovering in the air scared the well-armed bandits who quickly escaped with some of our students,” the source said.

PRNigeria gathered that special operatives and ground troops have been swiftly deployed and are already trailing the terrorists in an effort to rescue the victims.

The incident underscores the continuing threat posed by bandits and terrorist networks across the North West and North Central regions, particularly those targeting vulnerable educational institutions.

PRNigeria.