Pupils Kidnapped From Catholic School In Nigeria Again Amid Trump’s Military Threat

An unknown number of pupils have been abducted from a Catholic school in central Nigeria, officials confirmed on Friday, marking a second major school kidnapping within a week.

The incident has drawn fresh attention amid heightened diplomatic tension tied to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats of military action.

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“The Niger State government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St Mary’s School in Agwara local government area,” said state government secretary Abubakar Usman in a statement.

“The exact number of abducted pupils is yet to be confirmed as security agencies continue to assess the situation.”

Nigeria’s security forces are under pressure to respond, especially as the recent kidnappings coincide with Trump’s warning that he may deploy U.S. military force if Nigeria does not stem what he described as the “killing of Christians.”

Rising School Abductions Spur Major Security Response

The attack on St Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School occurred in the early hours of the morning.

Niger State police reported that armed bandits invaded the school’s hostel around 2:00 am (0100 GMT) and carried off a “yet to be ascertained number of students,” prompting the deployment of tactical units alongside the military.

Security agencies are reportedly “combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students,” according to a police statement. The abduction comes just days after gunmen raided another secondary school in Kebbi State, northwestern Nigeria, kidnapping 25 girls — all but one remain missing.

International Pressure Mounts as U.S. Threatens Intervention

Trump’s threat followed his announcement that he had instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria while also cutting off all U.S. aid if the Nigerian government does not curb attacks on Christians.

Critics argue that violence in Nigeria is deeply complex and not solely religious. The Nigerian government denies the claim of Christian genocide, emphasising that armed groups target people of all faiths.

Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to protecting all citizens, warning that external pressures should not undermine national sovereignty.

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