Police confirm terrorists’ abduction of 14 Islamiyya students, teacher in Niger

Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 Islamiyya students and their teacher from a farm in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi LGA, Niger State

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, dismissing reports that as many as 50 students were kidnapped

The abduction has sparked political criticism, with the SDP accusing Governor Umaru Bago's administration of failing to address insecurity, while the government insists it is working to rescue the victims

At least 14 students of an Islamiyya school and their teacher have been abducted by suspected terrorists in Niger State.

The incident happened on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari in Rafi Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly abducted on their teacher's farm where they had gone to help him harvest maize.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction. Its spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, clarified that 14 students were kidnapped, contrary to reports claiming the number was as high as 50.

Meanwhile, the abduction has triggered political reactions in the state.

Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, accused Governor Umaru Bago of failing to tackle worsening insecurity, alleging that the administration is more focused on 2027 politics.

"The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condoling the people over the death of their loved ones by gunmen without any cogent step to address the situation," Vatsa said.

He also decried inadequate vehicles and equipment for security agencies.

In response, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, said the Bago administration is deploying all available resources and working with security agencies to rescue the victims and prevent further attacks.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ending insecurity and restoring peace to affected communities.

Atiku condemns Oyo abduction

In a previous report by TheRadar, former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the abduction of family members of Adebayo Adelabu in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The presidential aspirant said the incident showed that insecurity had worsened and that “no Nigerian was safe” under the current administration.