Security Crisis Forces Widespread School Closures
Multiple Nigerian states have taken drastic measures to protect students following a wave of mass kidnappings that has triggered international concern and forced President Bola Tinubu to implement emergency security reforms. The crisis escalated with the abduction of 24 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State on November 17, 2025, followed by the kidnapping of approximately 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers from St Mary's Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri community, Niger State on November 21, 2025.
State Governments Take Emergency Action
The Kebbi State Government issued an immediate closure directive for all public and private schools through a circular from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education. The order, signed by Deputy Director ICT Hajia Hauwa Muhammad, mandates the suspension of academic activities effective immediately until further notice. The decision followed ongoing security assessments aimed at protecting students, teachers and school administrators from the growing kidnapping threat.
Similarly, Plateau State implemented precautionary school closures, with Government Junior Model Secondary Schools shutting down from November 22 and all primary and day schools closing from November 24. Commissioner for Information and Communication Joyce Ramnap emphasized that the closures represent proactive safety measures rather than cause for panic, while Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang appealed for calm and compliance from parents and community leaders.
Federal Government Response and International Pressure
President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action by ordering the withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection duties and redirecting them to core policing functions across the country. The President also approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and announced that 89 kidnap victims have regained freedom, including 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State and 51 students from the Niger State Catholic school.
The international community has expressed growing concern, with Pope Leo XIV issuing a statement condemning the rising kidnappings and calling for swift action to secure victims' release. The Pope expressed deep sorrow particularly for the abducted young people and their distressed families, urging that churches and schools remain places of safety and hope.
Military Operations and Investigations Underway
Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle confirmed that security operatives have identified the location where the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls are being held, with operations intensifying in the area. Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters is investigating allegations that terrorists attacked the Maga school just 30 minutes after troops withdrew from the area.
Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Michael Onoja stated that a thorough review is underway to ascertain troop deployment circumstances during the incident, promising immediate corrective action if any lapses are identified. The military remains committed to working with state authorities and community leaders to strengthen protection around vulnerable institutions.
In Niger State, Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago blamed informants for enabling terrorist activities and called for tougher action against them. The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West, Major General Warrah Idris, has directed troops to maintain unyielding pressure on the criminals responsible for the Papiri school abduction.
As the security crisis deepens, the Nasarawa State government has warned against spreading false information after debunking a fabricated kidnapping report at St Peter's Quality Foundation Academy in Rukubi. The situation remains fluid with security forces engaged in multiple rescue operations across affected states.
