The Police in Nigeria has confirmed the abduction of 14 persons after suspected terrorists invaded a farm where pupils were harvesting maize in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Niger State Police Command spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident occurred at about 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2026, affirming that 14 students and their teacher were kidnapped, but however dismissed earlier reports that as many as 50 pupils had been kidnapped.
The police spokesman explained that the victims were students of an Islamic school, commonly known as an Islamiya, who had accompanied their teacher, referred to as a Mallam, to harvest maize on his farm when the attackers struck. The teacher was also taken away during the raid.
Abiodun said security agencies had launched a joint operation to locate the victims and secure their release.
He assured that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted students and other victims, adding that further information would be made available as the operation progressed.
The latest incident adds to security concerns in Rafi Local Government Area, where armed groups have continued to pose threats to rural communities.
The rescue operation remains ongoing, while authorities are yet to announce the successful recovery of the abducted students and their teacher.
