U.S. Calls for Immediate Action Against School Abductors
The United States government has issued a strong demand for the Nigerian authorities to capture those responsible for the recent mass kidnappings of schoolgirls in northern Nigeria. This call comes amid growing international concern over the safety of educational institutions in the region.
In a statement released through the Bureau of African Affairs on Monday, the North American nation condemned the separate attacks that occurred within days of each other, resulting in hundreds of students being taken from their schools.
Details of the Attacks
The wave of violence began on Monday, November 17, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. During this brutal incident, no fewer than 25 schoolgirls were violently abducted from their dormitory.
Tragically, this attack also resulted in the murder of the school's Chief Security Officer and Vice Principal, highlighting the extreme violence employed by the perpetrators.
Just four days later, in the early hours of Friday, another devastating attack unfolded at St Mary's Girls' School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. This assault was even more massive in scale, with armed bandits abducting no less than 300 students from the institution.
U.S. Government's Strong Response
The United States government expressed its outrage through an official statement that read in part: "The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State."
The statement further emphasized that "Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable." It also called on the Nigerian government to "act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror."
The pressure intensified when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut off aid to Nigeria if the killing of Christians and abductions continue in the West African nation. Speaking to Fox News Radio on Friday, President Trump stated "I'm really angry about it. What's happening in Nigeria is a disgrace."
Diplomatic Engagements and Nigerian Response
Amid these developments, U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Nigeria's National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu last week to discuss the security situation. According to the Pentagon, Hegseth emphasized "the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians."
Nigerian officials have pushed back on some of the accusations while acknowledging the security challenges. The situation has prompted discussions about potential U.S. assistance, with Jonathan Pratt, Head of the State Department's Bureau of African Affairs, testifying before the U.S. Congress about a comprehensive strategy that would "span from security to policing to economic" solutions.
These incidents occur against a backdrop of increased killings and abductions across Nigerian states including Kebbi, Kwara and Niger States, raising serious concerns about the security apparatus's ability to protect educational institutions and vulnerable communities.
