Nigeria is currently grappling with an alarming surge in mass abductions across multiple states, particularly Kebbi, Niger, and Kwara, prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures and systemic reforms. These recent incidents underscore the dire security challenges facing the nation, with both governmental bodies and civil society demanding decisive action.

In Kebbi State, Governor Mohammed Idris reported that 25 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, just 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the vicinity. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged this claim and initiated a thorough review to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements. In response to the escalating attacks, the Kebbi State government ordered the immediate closure of all public and private secondary schools, as well as most tertiary institutions, emphasizing the need to safeguard students and staff. Affected institutions include Kebbi State Polytechnic, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Adamu Augie College of Education, and School of Remedial Studies, with only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery in Birnin Kebbi remaining open.

Niger State experienced a significant abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, where initial reports indicated over 300 students and teachers were taken. While President Bola Tinubu later announced the rescue of 51 students, further clarification from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter Chairman and school Proprietor, Most Reverend Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, revealed that 141 students initially feared abducted were not kidnapped, and 61 students had reunited with their parents. Additionally, 50 students reportedly escaped from their abductors, bringing the total number of those who regained freedom to 66. However, 13 teachers remain in captivity. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago attributed the incident to “informants” and called for tougher sanctions against them. Major-General Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West (Operation Fansān Yamma), visited the abduction site, directing troops to maintain