LOKOJA — Gunmen raided the Dahallukitab Group of Schools, an orphanage in an isolated area of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State in north-central Nigeria, and abducted 23 pupils. Fifteen of the pupils have since been rescued, while eight remain captive.

The wife of the proprietor of the orphanage was also abducted in the attack. The identities of the gunmen are unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility.

"Upon receiving the report, security agencies, led by the Nigeria Police Force in Kogi State, in collaboration with other security operatives, swiftly mobilized to the scene," Kogi Information Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo said. "Their prompt and coordinated response led to the successful rescue of 15 of the abducted pupils, while intensive operations are ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims and apprehend the perpetrators."

The Dahallukitab Group of Schools was operating illegally. In Nigeria, the term "pupil" usually refers to someone in kindergarten or primary school, typically covering ages up to 12.

The north-central region of Nigeria has seen an increase in the activities of gunmen who primarily kidnap people for ransom. Mass kidnappings have become a common way for gangs and armed groups to raise money in the country's rural areas.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is battling a complex security crisis, especially in the north, where there is a decade-long insurgency. Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups operating in the country are Boko Haram, its breakaway faction ISWAP, and the IS-linked Lakurawa group.