The number of victims abducted by suspected terrorists from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State, has risen to 315 from the initially reported 227. This updated figure, comprising 303 students and 12 teachers, was confirmed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) after a verification exercise and a final census. Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Chairman of the Niger State chapter of CAN and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, explained that 88 more students were discovered to have been captured after attempting to escape, bringing the total to 303 students (male and female) and 12 teachers (four females and eight males).

CAN has strongly debunked allegations by the Niger State Government that the school reopened without government clearance, despite a prior directive suspending boarding activities in the area. Bishop Yohanna labeled this claim as "propaganda" and an "afterthought" designed to shift blame. He stated that neither the school authorities nor the Education Secretary received any circular or verbal warning regarding a shutdown. He emphasized the school's history of immediately closing in 2022 when security rumors emerged, questioning why they would disregard a government directive if one had been issued. He also clarified that the school is owned by the Catholic Diocese, not an individual, and dismissed claims about Reverend Sisters traveling to Abuja as false.

In response to the incident, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has ordered the immediate closure of all schools, both private and government-owned, across the state until after the New Year. Schools located in security-affected areas will remain shut until further notice. Governor Bago held an emergency security council meeting in Minna, where he acknowledged the "very sad news" and called for collective efforts in the rescue operations. While declining to confirm specific abduction figures, stating that official counts were being handled by the Department of State and the police, he urged everyone to join in making Niger State peaceful.

Meanwhile, military forces have intensified rescue efforts. Major General Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North West (JTF-NW), Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY), visited the scene of the attack on November 22, 2025, to conduct an on-the-spot assessment. He was briefed by Major General C.R. Nnebiefe, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander, Sector 3 OPFY, on ongoing coordinated operations with other security agencies. Major General Idris charged his troops to maintain sustained pressure on the bandits, stating that they would find no safe haven and assuring that all necessary resources and support would be provided to ensure the safe recovery of all abducted students and their reunification with families.