“Terrorists on the Run: Troops Get Kill-Switch Directive in Niger School Kidnap Crisis”
By Paul Ebi
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West (JTF NW), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), Major General Warrah Idris, has directed troops to sustain unyielding pressure on the criminal elements behind the recent abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Major General Idris gave the directive on 22 November 2025 during an operational visit to the scene of the attack, where dozens of pupils were abducted by armed terrorists. The visit, described as a rapid on-the-spot assessment, was aimed at obtaining firsthand clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident and evaluating the tactical response of deployed forces.
Upon arrival, the Theatre Commander was received by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander Sector 3 OPFY, Major General C.R. Nnebiefe, who briefed him on ongoing joint operations involving the military, police, intelligence units, and other security agencies working to ensure the safe rescue of the students.
Reaffirming the military’s resolve to neutralize the perpetrators, Major General Idris stated:“The bandits are clearly feeling the heat of our operations and will find no safe haven. Remain vigilant and relentless in pursuing them without granting them any respite until every one of the captured students is safely recovered and reunited with their families.”
He further assured the troops of full operational backing, emphasizing that all required resources, logistical support, and enablers would be mobilized to guarantee mission success.
The Theatre Commander also commended the bravery, resilience, and commitment of the troops engaged in the ongoing manhunt, urging them to sustain pressure at all fronts until victory is secured.
The statement was issued by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
