Schools Across Northern Nigeria Close Following Surge in Mass Abductions
Kano, Nigeria – December 1, 2025, 8:58 PM GMT – Widespread fear has prompted the closure of schools across multiple states in northern Nigeria following a dramatic increase in mass abduction incidents targeting students.Authorities confirmed that schools in Zamfara,Katsina,and Kaduna states have been temporarily shuttered,impacting hundreds of thousands of students,as security forces struggle to contain escalating violence perpetrated by armed criminal groups.
The recent wave of attacks, beginning in late November, has reignited national trauma stemming from previous large-scale school abductions, most notably the 2014 kidnapping of 276 girls from Chibok. These latest incidents underscore the persistent security challenges facing the region and raise critical questions about the Nigerian government’s capacity to protect its citizens, particularly vulnerable student populations. The closures are indefinite, pending a comprehensive security review and the implementation of enhanced safety measures.
The most recent abduction occurred on November 28th in Zamfara State,where gunmen seized over 300 students from a government science school near Gusau. This followed a similar incident in Katsina State earlier in the week, where an unknown number of students were taken from a boarding school. While no group has formally claimed responsibility for all the attacks, authorities suspect the involvement of various bandit groups operating in the region, motivated by ransom demands.
“The safety of our children is paramount,” stated Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state in a televised address on December 1st. “We cannot allow them to continue to be targets. these temporary closures are a necessary step to ensure their well-being while we work to secure our schools.”
Northern nigeria has long been plagued by banditry, communal violence, and the activities of extremist groups. The region’s socio-economic vulnerabilities, including widespread poverty and limited access to education, contribute to the cycle of instability. Experts warn that the escalating abductions could further exacerbate these challenges, disrupting education and fueling radicalization.
The Nigerian government has pledged to increase military presence in the affected states and to collaborate with local communities to improve security. However, critics argue that a more comprehensive approach is needed, addressing the root causes of the conflict and investing in socio-economic growth. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the abductions and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted students. The institution is working with the Nigerian government to provide support to affected families and to ensure the continuation of education for displaced children.
