Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The students were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while assisting their teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, to harvest maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that 14 students were abducted, contrary to earlier reports that as many as 50 students had been kidnapped. 
According to Abiodun, the students of an Islamiya school had accompanied their teacher to the farm when the suspected bandits attacked and took them away.
He said joint security teams had launched efforts to rescue the abducted students and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” the police spokesman said.
The incident adds to growing security concerns in Niger State, where communities have continued to experience attacks, abductions and other criminal activities linked to suspected bandits.
Security agencies have intensified operations in affected areas as authorities work to curb the activities of armed groups and protect residents.
