Nigerian kidnappers raid boarding school; Buhari orders swift rescue

Gunmen have abducted an unspecified number of students and staff of Government Science College, Kagara in Nigeria's Niger State.

The presidency confirmed the incident and that President Muhammadu Buhari has "directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure immediate and safe return of all the captives."

"The President has also dispatched to Minna, Niger State a team of security chiefs to coordinate the rescue operation of yet to be ascertained number of staff and students of GSC, Kagara and meet with state officials, community leaders, as well as parents and staff of the College," Bashir Ahmad, a new media aide to Buhari tweeted.

Government Science College Kagara is a boarding school housing students and teachers. Local portals reported that the school was invaded in the early hours of Wednesday.

The bandits were said to have gathered some staff and students at a place for hours before moving them out of the school premises to an unknown destination.

A student is said to have been killed during the incident whiles a staff member is also said to have escaped from the kidnappers. The Niger State government has shut all boarding schools following the incident.

A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING CALLS FOR CALM FROM THE PARENTS AS WELL AS RELATIVES OF ALL ABDUCTED PERSONS AS PROACTIVE ACTION IS UNDERWAY TO ARREST THE SITUATION. pic.twitter.com/fhFlgvNXQP

— Niger State Gov't (@NigerStateNG) February 17, 2021