The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested five suspects, including two foreign nationals from Niger Republic, in connection with the November 2025 abduction of students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to security sources, the suspects were allegedly involved in supplying weapons to the gunmen who carried out the attack on the boarding school.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that operatives recovered a significant cache of weapons from the suspects, including 15 AK-103 rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Among those arrested were Yusuf Mohammed, also known as Bature, who security agencies identified as a wanted member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, and his associate, Mubarak Ibrahim. The duo was reportedly intercepted along the Zaria-Kaduna Highway while allegedly on their way to receive a consignment of arms intended for insurgent commanders.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Goni Ibrahim, described by security sources as an international arms courier operating from the Diffa Region of Niger Republic. His alleged accomplice, Tukur Sani, was also taken into custody.
Authorities said the weapons were concealed in a vehicle used by the suspects and were recovered during the operation.
In a related development, another suspected member of the arms supply network, Alhaji Adamu, popularly known as Gado Banufe, was arrested in Yauri, Kebbi State. He is alleged to have been involved in supplying weapons to criminal groups operating within the Kebbi axis.
Preliminary investigations, according to security sources, indicate that the five suspects served as arms couriers for the gunmen responsible for the attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Boarding School in Papiri.
The school came under attack in the early hours of November 21, 2025, when dozens of armed men riding motorcycles reportedly invaded the institution and abducted hundreds of students and teachers.
While some of the victims escaped during the attack, more than 250 students were reportedly forced into the Kainji Lake National Park area by the abductors.
Following weeks of rescue efforts, federal and Niger State authorities announced on December 21, 2025, that all remaining captives had been rescued and reunited with their families.
Security agencies have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected as investigations into the arms supply network continue.
