Major School Kidnappings in Nigeria Since President Tinubu Took Office
School kidnappings remain one of Nigeria’s most troubling security challenges. Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, media and security reports show more than 500 students and school staff have been abducted across the country. Key incidents include the abduction of 22 students from Federal University Gusau in Zamfara State (September 2023) and five students near Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina (October 2023). Tertiary campuses in Lafia, Nasarawa State, also faced related attacks. One of the deadliest raids occurred on March 7, 2024, at Kuriga School in Kaduna, where gunmen seized 287 pupils and a teacher. Similar attacks hit Islamic schools in Sokoto (15 pupils) and Kogi State (26 children). Larger abductions in Kebbi, Niger and Borno states affected hundreds more. In May 2026, coordinated strikes on schools in Oyo State led to dozens of abductions and the tragic killing of a teacher. These events disrupted learning, forced closures and renewed calls for stronger protection of educational institutions. Despite the Safe Schools Programme and increased deployments, experts warn that continued violence risks worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.
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