Nigerian School Abductions Rise to Over 300 Children

Over 300 Children Abducted in Niger State School Attack Amid Rising Kidnappings in Nigeria

At least 303 students and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in north-central Nigeria’s Niger state, authorities confirmed Saturday. The attack, part of a growing pattern of school kidnappings in Nigeria, has prompted security operations and widespread concern among families.

Updated Numbers and Verification

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed the revised abduction figures following a thorough verification and final census. Initially, reports indicated 215 students had been taken.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of CAN’s Niger state chapter, who visited the school Friday, explained that an additional 88 children were captured while attempting to flee during the raid. Students affected range in age from 10 to 18, encompassing both boys and girls.

Context of the Attack

The incident occurred in the remote Papiri community, four days after 25 children were kidnapped in Maga town, Kebbi state, roughly 170 kilometers (106 miles) away. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators, but tactical squads and local hunters have been deployed to recover the abducted students.

Yohanna challenged claims from the Niger state government suggesting the school had reopened, calling such statements false and potentially intended to deflect responsibility. Families were urged to remain calm and maintain hope for the safe return of the children.

Security Challenges and School Targeting

School kidnappings have become a defining feature of insecurity in Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target educational institutions for strategic leverage. According to UNICEF, only 37% of schools across ten conflict-affected states have early warning systems to detect potential threats.

Experts note that attacks do not discriminate by religion; recent abductions have affected both Christian- and Muslim-majority communities. The Kebbi state incident occurred in a predominantly Muslim town, underscoring the broader security crisis.

Broader Political and Security Implications

The abduction comes amid heightened international attention, including statements by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding targeted killings against Christians in Nigeria. Nigerian National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was in the U.S. this week and met Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday, highlighting ongoing diplomatic engagement regarding the country’s security challenges.

These kidnappings underscore the persistent vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s northern and central regions and the urgent need for strengthened protective measures for schools and students.

Conclusion

The escalating number of school abductions in Niger state and neighboring regions emphasizes the pressing security threats facing Nigeria’s education sector. Families, communities, and authorities continue to navigate the delicate balance of safeguarding students while pursuing the perpetrators. The ongoing rescue efforts reflect both local and national commitment to addressing this humanitarian and security crisis.