International Pressure Mounts on FG as States Shut Schools Over Rising Kidnappings

Widespread concern over student safety intensified yesterday as the Kebbi State Government ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools following a surge in kidnapping incidents, including two major abductions recorded in the past week.

Gunmen had attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on Monday, November 17, 2025, abducting 24 students. Days later, on Friday, November 21, another group stormed St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Niger State, kidnapping an estimated 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers.

A circular issued by the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education directed all schools to suspend academic activities from today until further notice. Signed by Deputy Director of ICT, Hajia Hauwa Muhammad, the document stated that the decision followed updated security assessments and was aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, and administrators.

“All schools within Kebbi State are to strictly adhere to this directive and ensure prompt communication to parents and guardians,” the statement read, noting that the government regretted the inconvenience but was praying for a quick restoration of peace.

Plateau Adopts Preventive Shutdown

Similarly, the Plateau State Government confirmed that its recent order for schools to close was a proactive measure in response to escalating security concerns, especially the mass abductions recorded in neighbouring states.

According to earlier directives, Government Junior Model Secondary Schools were to shut down from Saturday, November 22, while all primary and day schools were to close from today. The Ministry of Education further instructed that no academic or administrative activity should take place until further notice.

Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, urged residents not to panic, stressing that the closure was purely precautionary. Governor Caleb Mutfwang appealed for calm and warned against circulating unverified information.

Troops Locate Kidnapped Kebbi Students – Defence Minister

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, confirmed in Birnin Kebbi that security operatives have identified the area where the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls are being held. He said troops had made “significant progress” and operations to rescue the girls were being intensified.

Nasarawa Debunks Fake Kidnapping Report

The Nasarawa State Government warned residents against spreading false security reports after a viral claim alleged the kidnapping of pupils from St Peter’s Quality Foundation Academy in Rukubi, Doma LGA.

A statement by Ibrahim Addra, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdullahi Sule, said investigations showed that the school and local authorities confirmed no such incident occurred. The state police command also debunked the report.

Military Probes Claim Troops Withdrew Before Kebbi Attack

The Defence Headquarters is investigating allegations that terrorists struck the Kebbi school just 30 minutes after troops withdrew from the area. Maj-Gen Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said a thorough review was underway to determine the facts.

He added that if any lapses were uncovered, corrective actions would be taken immediately. The military, he said, remained committed to rescuing the abducted students and restoring security.

Tinubu Withdraws Police from VIPs, Approves 30,000 New Recruits

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs), directing that officers be reassigned to regular policing duties nationwide. VIPs will now be required to request escorts from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The directive followed a lengthy security meeting with Service Chiefs in Abuja. Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers and ongoing upgrades to state police training facilities.

Tinubu disclosed on X that 38 abducted worshippers from Eruku, Kwara State, and 51 of the kidnapped Niger State students had been rescued. He said he cancelled his trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to focus on the security crisis.

“I will not relent. Every Nigerian has the right to safety, and under my watch, we will secure this nation,” he said.

Pope Condemns Kidnappings, Calls for Quick Action

Pope Leo XIV expressed sorrow over the kidnappings of students, priests, and worshippers in Nigeria and Cameroon. In a statement on X, he appealed for the immediate release of all abducted persons and urged authorities to take swift action.

“Let us pray together that churches and schools may always remain places of safety and hope,” the Pope wrote.

His comments come amid growing international concern over attacks on Christian communities in West Africa.

Niger Governor Blames Informants, Calls for Tougher Measures

Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago said local informants play a major role in enabling terrorist attacks. Speaking at the Emir of Borgu’s palace in New Bussa, he urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies.

The Emir lamented that bandits had taken over the Borgu forest and called on government to reclaim it.

Troops Ordered to Sustain Pressure on Niger Kidnappers

Major General Warrah Idris, Theatre Commander of Operation Fantsan Yamma, has instructed troops to maintain intense pressure on the abductors of the Papiri schoolchildren.

During an on-site assessment on Saturday, Idris assured that all necessary resources would be deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students.

He also said the criminals were “feeling the heat” and would be given no safe haven until every child is recovered.