Gunmen attacked a boarding high school in Kebbi state, northwestern Nigeria, before dawn on Monday, abducting 25 schoolgirls and killing at least one staff member.

The assailants, armed with “sophisticated weapons” and traveling on motorcycles, exchanged fire with guards before carrying out the raid.

No group claimed responsibility, but authorities said the attack aligns with the ongoing threat from armed bandits who kidnap for ransom, distinct from Boko Haram or ISWAP militants.

Police launched a coordinated search operation along escape routes and nearby forests to rescue the students and apprehend the perpetrators, the AP has reported.

Since 2014, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped in northern Nigeria, although recent school raids have declined due to enhanced state security measures.