A new wave of mass abductions hit northern Nigeria, with at least 145 people kidnapped in Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara states over the last four days. The spate of attacks has raised fresh concerns about security as the country heads toward the 2027 elections.

Key incidents and updates

• Kebbi State: In the early hours of Monday, gunmen stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA, abducting 25 female students and killing a staff member. A school guard was wounded. Police say officers engaged the attackers, but the abductors escaped with the students. Additional security forces, including the military and vigilantes, have been deployed to search suspected bandit routes and nearby forests.
• Police statement details: The attack occurred around 0400 hours. The bandits reportedly scaled the fence after a gun duel with police. One staff member, Hassan Makuku, was killed; another, Ali Shehu, was injured.
• Wider security situation: Two days earlier, vigilante members and residents faced violence in Niger State’s Mashegu LGA, where several people were killed or abducted. In Zamfara, attacks in Fegin Baza and nearby villages left multiple fatalities and dozens abducted. Other communities in Zamfara’s Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Tsafe, and Bungudu LGAs have faced repeated assaults, causing displacement and ransom demands.

Official responses and promises

• The Federal Government expressed deep concern and vowed to secure the safe return of the students. A statement from the Information Minister emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration regards protecting Nigerians, especially schoolchildren, as a solemn duty. Security agencies were directed to locate, rescue, and bring the abducted students back safely and to bring the perpetrators to justice.
• The Minister of Defence condemned the Kebbi attack as unacceptable and stated that the government is coordinating across security agencies to secure the victims’ release. The administration pledged ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security and improve border control through regional partnerships.

Reactions from political actors

• Atiku Abubakar and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the Kebbi school attack and other recent abductions. They framed the incidents as part of a broader insecurity crisis and urged the federal government to bolster security architecture, increase personnel in vulnerable areas, and intensify intelligence-led operations.
• Security experts weighed in, noting that election periods often see spikes in abductions tied to political dynamics. Some analysts argued that insecurity has deep roots beyond electoral cycles, calling for stronger local policing, community partnerships, and better coordination across security agencies.

• Security forces are conducting an intensive search-and-rescue operation to recover the abducted students and arrest those responsible. Officials are also advocating for calm in affected communities while security measures are ramped up.
• The government emphasised its commitment to protecting citizens and recalibrating national security resources to prevent such attacks and respond swiftly when they occur.

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