Gunmen in Nigeria kidnapped at least 227 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Niger state on Friday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said.

It is the largest school abduction since more than 200 students were taken in Kaduna in March 2024.

CAN chairman Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said 215 pupils and students, along with 12 teachers, were abducted, though some students escaped.

Police earlier confirmed the kidnapping from St. Mary’s School but did not give numbers.

Nigeria’s security situation is under scrutiny after US President Donald Trump warned of “fast” military action if killings of Christians are not addressed.

The US and Nigeria held a high-level meeting on Thursday to discuss the issue.

Police said security agencies were searching nearby forests for the abducted group.

The Niger state government said the school had ignored an order to close boarding facilities due to threats of attacks.

Other incidents this week include the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi state and the abduction of 38 worshippers in Kwara state, where gunmen demanded a ransom of 100 million naira per person.

The attacks forced President Bola Tinubu to cancel planned trips to South Africa and Angola.