Katsina, Nigeria—Seven students were kidnapped this morning after armed men stormed a school in the northwestern region. The attackers arrived on motorcycles at dawn and forced the students to leave the campus at gunpoint. Staff and other pupils fled into the nearby bush as the raid unfolded.

Local security forces were notified immediately but struggled to navigate the difficult terrain. The gunmen disappeared into the forest before reinforcements could establish a blockade. Parents gathered at the school gates by midday demanding immediate action from regional officials.

Government spokespeople confirmed the abduction and stated that a specialized rescue unit has been deployed. They are currently tracking the movement of the armed group through intelligence reports. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.

The school is now completely empty as administrators work with police to verify the exact number of missing individuals. Initial counts from the registrar suggest seven students are currently unaccounted for. Fear has gripped the surrounding villages as news of the raid spread.

Local leaders are calling for an increased military presence to protect educational institutions in the region. They argue that the current security measures are insufficient against organized criminal gangs. Many schools in the area have suspended operations until further notice.

This incident marks the latest in a series of security challenges facing the northwestern states. Authorities are coordinating with community vigilante groups to assist in the search efforts. Aerial surveillance has been requested to scout the dense forest areas.

The families of the abducted students are waiting for any information regarding the status of their children. Officials promised to provide updates as soon as actionable intelligence is secured. The region remains under a heightened security alert.

Military commanders have warned the public against moving alone in rural areas until the search operation concludes. They are currently focusing on intercepting the group before they move deeper into the wilderness. No contact has been established with the kidnappers at this time.