Nigeria is experiencing a renewed wave of mass abductions, with at least 145 people kidnapped across Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara states within just four days—sparking fresh concerns about national security as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
This worrying trend mirrors the situation ahead of the 2023 polls, when abductions increased nationwide. A PUNCH investigation showed that 792 people were kidnapped between January and March 2023 alone, most linked to banditry and armed groups operating across northern Nigeria.
In the early hours of Monday, heavily armed bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.
They abducted 25 female students, killed a Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and injured a school guard.
The Nigeria Police Force confirmed the incident on its official WhatsApp channel, stating that officers exchanged gunfire with the attackers but the criminals escaped with the students.
The Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, urged residents to remain calm, while assuring that joint police–military tactical teams and vigilantes were combing forests and bandit routes to rescue the victims.
The Kebbi attack came just 48 hours after bandits struck multiple communities in Mashegu LGA, Niger State, killing 16 vigilante members and abducting 42 locals.
Zamfara, one of the epicentres of banditry, also witnessed fresh assaults:
- Fegin Baza (Tsafe LGA) – Three killed, 64 residents abducted
- Tsohuwar Tasha (Maru LGA) – 14 abducted, including 11 women and 3 children
Reports indicate that communities across Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maradun, Tsafe and Bungudu LGAs have suffered continuous attacks, leading to mass displacement and forced levies imposed by armed groups.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, in a statement on Monday, condemned the Kebbi school attack and affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for security agencies to locate and rescue the abducted students.
He described the attack as “reprehensible” and said strengthening internal security remains a top national priority.
“Our security and intelligence agencies have clear directives to ensure the safe return of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Idris said.
He also highlighted increased collaboration with ECOWAS, the AU, and the Multinational Joint Task Force to secure borders and dismantle terrorist networks.
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also condemned the attack, saying the government had ordered a coordinated multi-agency effort to rescue the victims.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the Kebbi school attack as “devastating,” warning that insecurity has reached “intolerable levels.”
Atiku also referenced killings and kidnappings in Zamfara, Plateau, Benue, and Kano, arguing that the security situation “cannot continue.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the APC-led government of failing to protect Nigerians, saying the escalation of insecurity contradicts the promises made to the public.
Security analysts say the pattern of rising abductions ahead of national elections is not new.
Ojukwu said many politically motivated abductions occur during election cycles as individuals or groups attempt to destabilize opponents or assert dominance.
“Almost everything is weaponised—including human lives,” he warned.
Rabiu disagreed that elections are the primary trigger, arguing that insecurity is now persistent and deeply rooted.
He criticised fragmented negotiation strategies with bandits and urged the government to strengthen policies and adopt reintegration models like those used in Angola.
“Government must restrategise. Security agencies must be empowered. The public must also play their part,” he said.
AIG Wilson Inalegwu (Retired): Strengthen Local-Level Security
Inalegwu called for:
- A stronger community policing system
- Better coordination between federal and local security structures
- Expansion of the Special Constabulary system under the Police Act 2020
He warned that police manpower is critically low:
“How do you secure communities when stations meant for 200 officers operate with only 50?”
The latest wave of abductions underscores the escalating insecurity gripping parts of northern Nigeria, raising fears of further deterioration as the 2027 elections approach.
