Nigeria is once again grappling with a surge in large-scale kidnappings, with no fewer than 145 people abducted across Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states within four days.
The pattern mirrors the months leading to the 2023 polls, when abductions spiked.
The latest incidents began on Monday when gunmen invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, killing a staff member and whisking away 25 female students. A school guard was reportedly injured during the dawn attack.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the kidnappers’ incident, saying its tactical units responded but the attackers managed to flee with the students. The command said additional police teams, supported by the military and vigilantes, were now combing forest routes in search of the victims.
According to the statement, “On November 17, 2025, at about 0400hrs, a gang of armed bandits with sophisticated weapons stormed the school, shooting sporadically. The police tactical units engaged them… but the bandits had already scaled the fence and abducted 25 students. One Hassan Makuku was shot dead, while Ali Shehu sustained an injury to his right hand.”
It was revealed that between January and March 2023 alone, 792 Nigerians were kidnapped, many by bandits and criminal groups operating in northern regions, PUNCH reports.
Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Bello Sani, assured the public that security agents were intensifying efforts to rescue the girls.
The attack came just 48 hours after bandits killed 16 vigilantes and abducted 42 residents in Mashegu LGA of Niger State. In Zamfara, armed groups continued their relentless assaults: three people were killed and 64 kidnapped in Fegin Baza community on Saturday, while another 14 villagers — including 11 women and three children — were abducted in Maru LGA on Sunday.
Reports indicate that communities in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Tsafe, and Bungudu LGAs in Zamfara have endured months of repeated raids, forced levies, and mass displacements.
Reacting to the Kebbi school attack, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the abduction of the students was “reprehensible,” adding that President Bola Tinubu had ordered security agencies to secure their release.
He said, “Our security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice. The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved.”
Idris added that the administration was strengthening intelligence and military coordination and expanding collaboration with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
Defence ministry condemns attack
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also criticised the assault, calling it “totally unacceptable.” He said the president had directed all security agencies to mobilise immediately to rescue the students.
“The government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has directed that the state’s security apparatus swing into immediate action to ensure the abducted students are released unharmed,” he said.
He appealed for calm, urging residents to allow security agencies to carry out the rescue mission.
