DSS Arrests Five Suspects, Including Foreign Nationals, Over Papiri School Kidnap; Recovers Arms Cache

The Department of State Services (DSS) has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the mass abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, with the arrest of five suspected collaborators linked to the attack. The suspects include two foreign nationals from neighboring Niger Republic who are alleged to have played roles in supplying weapons to the kidnappers.

According to security sources, the arrested individuals are believed to be part of a network that provided logistical and arms support to the gunmen who stormed the school on November 21, 2025. The attack resulted in the abduction of nearly 300 students and staff members, making it one of the most significant school kidnapping incidents recorded in Niger State.

During a series of intelligence-led operations, DSS operatives reportedly recovered a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition. The items seized include 15 AK-series rifles, 15 magazines, and 1,434 rounds of live ammunition. Investigators believe the weapons were intended for use by criminal groups operating in parts of northern Nigeria.

Reports indicate that some of the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to receive or transport arms consignments. Follow-up operations led security personnel to additional suspects, including individuals identified as cross-border arms couriers operating between Nigeria and Niger Republic.

Security authorities have described the arrests as a significant step in dismantling networks that facilitate kidnappings and armed attacks across the region. Investigations are ongoing, with officials seeking to uncover further links between the suspects and criminal groups responsible for the Papiri school abduction.

The Papiri school attack drew national and international attention after hundreds of students and staff were taken from the Catholic boarding school. While many of the victims were eventually released, the incident reignited concerns about school security and the activities of armed gangs operating in parts of northern Nigeria.

Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as efforts continue to track down all individuals connected to the kidnapping network and its supply chain.