Summary
Twenty-four Nigerian girls abducted from their boarding school in Kebbi State last week have been released, marking a hopeful development amid a series of recent kidnappings across the country. The Nigerian government continues to grapple with ongoing security challenges fueled by armed groups, while families and communities await the safe return of other abducted children.
Release of the 24 Girls from Kebbi State
On Tuesday, the Nigerian presidency announced the release of 24 schoolgirls who were kidnapped on November 17 from a boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, located in the country's northwest. President Bola Tinubu welcomed their safe return and praised security forces for their efforts. The attack involved a gang armed with sophisticated weapons, which resulted in the death of a school official and injury to a security guard. Although 25 girls were initially abducted, one managed to escape shortly after the incident.
Despite this positive news, President Tinubu urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other students still in captivity, as the Kebbi attack has unfortunately inspired similar kidnappings in recent days.
Recent Kidnappings and Security Concerns
The Kebbi incident is part of a troubling pattern of abductions in Nigeria. Earlier on the same day, gunmen raided the village of Isapa in Kwara State, seizing 10 women and children. This village neighbors another where at least 35 people were kidnapped a week prior. Additionally, over 300 children were abducted from St Mary's Catholic school in Niger State, and 13 girls were taken in Borno State.
Nigeria faces a persistent security crisis driven by jihadist groups and "bandit" gangs that frequently attack villages, kill residents, and kidnap for ransom. The government rejects claims by US President Donald Trump, who recently threatened military action over what he described as the "mass slaughter" of Nigeria's Christians. The violence affects both Christians and Muslims indiscriminately in this religiously diverse nation of 230 million people.
Kwara State police commissioner Ojo Adekimi reported that the attackers in the latest raid were herders who fired sporadically and took women and children from farming families. A manhunt involving police and local hunters is underway. One woman escaped and returned to the village. The raid followed an attack on a church in Eruku, near Isapa, where gunmen killed two people and kidnapped at least 35 worshippers, who have since been released.
Impact on Families and Communities
The kidnappings have deeply affected families. Parents of children abducted from St Mary's Catholic school expressed desperation for their loved ones' safe return. While around 50 victims escaped, more than 265 children and teachers remain captive. Michael Ibrahim, father of a four-year-old boy with asthma, shared his anguish over not knowing his son's condition, noting the emotional toll on his wife. Another father, Sunday Isaiku, voiced his heartfelt plea: "I need my child back. If I had the power to bring my child back, I would do it." No group has claimed responsibility or demanded ransom for the school abductions.
Calls for Action and Humanitarian Concerns
Global conflict monitoring group ACLED recorded 42 incidents targeting students in Nigeria this year, down from 71 in 2024, with about 40% involving ransom demands. UN rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan condemned the recent surge in mass abductions in north-central Nigeria, calling on the government to end these "vile attacks." Meanwhile, the World Food Programme warned that ongoing jihadist violence and instability are driving hunger to unprecedented levels in northern Nigeria. Nearly 35 million people are projected to face severe food insecurity in 2026, with approximately 15,000 at risk of famine-like conditions in Borno State.
