US Warns Nigeria Against Rising School Abductions, Seeks Immediate Action

The United States has issued a firm warning to Nigeria over the escalating wave of school abductions in the northern region, urging authorities to respond decisively and prevent the country from sliding deeper into insecurity that disproportionately affects children and vulnerable communities.

In a statement released on Monday through the US State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, Washington condemned the back-to-back kidnappings in Niger and Kebbi states, describing them as “unacceptable attacks on innocent learners and educators.” The US government stressed that those responsible must be tracked down and prosecuted promptly.

The two attacks, which occurred within days of each other, have renewed public fear over the resurgence of mass school kidnappings similar to the 2014 Chibok tragedy that drew global outrage.

The first incident took place on November 17 at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Armed men stormed the school premises at dawn, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, before seizing at least 24 female students. The attack left the community in shock and triggered an immediate security response from local authorities.

Just four days later, another coordinated assault unfolded in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. Gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers. Initial counts varied, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later confirmed the numbers after conducting a detailed audit of missing individuals. At least 50 students managed to escape and reunite with their families.

The US government emphasized that Nigeria must strengthen its security architecture, particularly around schools and communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups. The statement also highlighted the need to protect Christian populations, noting that several recent attacks have been directed at Christian-owned schools and settlements.

“Learners must be able to attend school without fear,” the statement warned, urging the Nigerian government to ensure the right to education and religious freedom is not undermined by insecurity.

Responding to the escalating situation, President Bola Tinubu last week directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State and coordinate rescue efforts directly from the field. Security agencies have since widened their operations across multiple states.

Several state governments, Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi, have also ordered the temporary closure of vulnerable schools, citing intelligence reports that suggest more institutions may be targeted.

Security experts note that the resurgence of school abductions represents a dangerous return to a tactic used by insurgents and criminal gangs to exert influence, attract ransom payments, and destabilize communities. The recent incidents have sparked fresh debates about Nigeria’s counterinsurgency strategies and long-standing weaknesses in rural policing.

With hundreds still missing and families anxiously awaiting updates, the latest kidnappings have become a national concern. International partners, including the United States, continue to pressure Nigeria to prioritize school security and prevent further tragedies.

The Federal Government maintains that recovery efforts are underway and has pledged to bring every abducted student and teacher home safely.