Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has directed security agencies to secure the immediate release of students and staff of a public school in Niger State who were kidnapped late Tuesday night. 

"The President has directed the Armed Forces and Police, to ensure the immediate and safe return of all the captives," presidential spokesman Garba Shehu said in a statement. 

Gunmen have abducted 42 people, including 27 students, from a school in central Nigeria, a local government official said, downplaying initial reports that hundreds had been taken.