Gunmen kidnap 14 Islamic school students in Niger

Suspected bandits have kidnapped 14 students from an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The students were taken on Saturday while helping their teacher, known as a Mallam, to harvest maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.

PUNCH gathered that the gunmen stormed the farm and took away the students along with their teacher.

Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Command, confirmed the incident on Monday. He explained that 14 students were taken and not 50, as some reports claimed.

He said joint security teams have started rescue operations to get the victims back safely.

Abiodun stated, “On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm.

“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.

“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated.