Nigeria is experiencing another wave of mass kidnappings, with at least 145 people abducted in Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states in just four days. The surge has raised fresh security concerns as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
This pattern mirrors what happened before the 2023 polls when abductions spiked nationwide. A PUNCH report showed that between January and March 2023 alone, 792 Nigerians were kidnapped, mostly in the northern region.
Kebbi School Attack
In the early hours of Monday, armed men invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. They abducted 25 female students and killed a staff member. A school guard was injured.
Police said their tactical team engaged the attackers but the bandits escaped with the students. More security teams, including the military and vigilantes, have been deployed to search nearby forests.
Other Recent Attacks
The Kebbi incident follows several deadly attacks:
Niger State: 16 vigilantes killed, 42 residents abducted.
Zamfara State: Three people killed and at least 64 abducted in Fegin Baza village.
Maru LGA, Zamfara: 14 people abducted, including women and children.
Many communities in Zamfara—including Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Tsafe, and Bungudu—have faced repeated assaults, displacement, and ransom demands.
Federal Government Reacts
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, condemned the Kebbi school attack, stressing President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to securing all Nigerians, especially schoolchildren. He said security agencies had been ordered to rescue the students and bring the attackers to justice.
The government also said it was strengthening military, policing, and intelligence operations and working with ECOWAS, the AU, and the Multinational Joint Task Force to tighten border security.
Defence Ministry Responds
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also condemned the attack, saying the president had given strict orders for security agencies to ensure the safe return of the students. He urged residents to remain calm.
Atiku, PDP Condemn Kidnappings
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the Kebbi school attack and other recent abductions as evidence of worsening insecurity. He called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The PDP also accused the Federal Government of failing to address the rising insecurity, saying Nigerians were now living in fear across several states.
Security Experts Speak
Security analysts link the rise in kidnappings to political tension ahead of the 2027 elections. Retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu said abductions often increase during election cycles as political actors try to weaken or intimidate opponents.
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Another retired CP, Ladodo Rabiu, argued that insecurity is now a constant issue, not just political. He said the country needed better policies, less corruption within security agencies, and a more effective strategy that combines force and negotiation.
Retired AIG Wilson Inalegwu stressed the need for:
Stronger local policing
Better coordination among security agencies
Improved trust between communities and law enforcement
Increased manpower and use of special constables
He noted that many police divisions have as few as 50 officers instead of the required 200–300.
