DSS Arrests Five in Papiri School Kidnap Case

The Department of State Services (DSS) arrested five suspects, including two individuals from Niger Republic, in connection with the kidnapping of nearly 300 students and staff from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri Village, Niger State, which occurred on November 21, 2025.

According to credible security sources, the suspects are linked to a significant mass kidnapping incident. During the operation, the DSS recovered a cache of weapons, including 15 AK-47 rifles and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition.

Among those arrested was Yusuf Moham, known as Batur, who is reportedly a wanted member of the Boko Haram group, and Mubarak Ibrahim. The suspects were intercepted while traveling on the Zaria-Kaduna highway to collect arms intended for the attackers.

Goni Ibrahim, described as an international arms courier from the Diffa region of Niger Republic, was apprehended alongside Tukur Sani, who is identified as an accomplice. Preliminary investigations revealed that these men served as arms couriers for the gunmen involved in the November 2025 attack.