Nigeria is facing a renewed wave of mass kidnappings, with at least 145 people abducted across Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara states within the last four days, raising fresh concerns about national security ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Data from previous election cycles show similar patterns. In the months leading to the 2023 polls, abductions spiked, with 792 cases recorded between January and March 2023 alone, many linked to banditry in northern regions.
The latest attack occurred on Monday when armed men stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. Twenty-five female students were abducted, a staff member was killed, and a school guard injured during the early-morning assault. Police said their tactical team engaged the attackers but the gunmen escaped with the victims. Additional police, military units and vigilantes have been deployed to track the bandits and rescue the girls.
Two days earlier in Niger State, 16 vigilantes were killed and 42 residents kidnapped in separate attacks in Mashegu LGA. In Zamfara, bandits struck Fegin Baza village on Saturday, killing three people and abducting at least 64. Another 14 villagers, including women and children, were taken in a subsequent attack on Tsohuwar Tasha in Maru LGA. Communities across several LGAs in Zamfara continue to suffer repeated raids, extortion and displacement.
Federal Government Reacts
The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to locate and rescue the abducted Kebbi students. He condemned the killings and described the attack as “reprehensible,” noting that the government is strengthening policing, intelligence and border security in collaboration with ECOWAS, the AU and the Multinational Joint Task Force.
The Defence Minister, Bello Matawalle, also condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable and confirming that the president has ordered urgent coordinated operations to rescue the children.
Political Figures Condemn Attacks
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed shock over the Kebbi school attack and other abductions across Zamfara, Plateau and Benue. He urged the government to overhaul its security architecture and deploy more personnel to vulnerable areas.
The Peoples Democratic Party criticised the Federal Government over its handling of insecurity, saying the situation has worsened under the current administration. The party offered condolences to affected families and called for decisive action.
Security Analysts Weigh In
Retired Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Ojukwu noted that kidnappings often increase near election periods, sometimes used to destabilise political opponents or create fear. He said election seasons tend to overstretch security agencies, leaving gaps exploited by criminal groups.
However, another retired CP, Ladodo Rabiu, argued that the insecurity trend is broader than election cycles. He said kidnappings are driven by longstanding issues such as weak security coverage, inconsistent government strategies and, in some regions, the practice of negotiating with armed groups without disarmament.
Rabiu urged the government to implement clear policies, adequately support security forces and adopt both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. He criticised incomplete negotiation strategies that leave weapons in the hands of bandits.
Retired AIG Wilson Inalegwu called for stronger coordination among federal, state and local security structures, stressing that community policing and public cooperation are essential. He warned that the police remain heavily understaffed, with many divisions operating far below required manpower. He suggested activating the Special Constabulary system under the Police Act 2020 to integrate trained community vigilantes into formal policing structures, though he noted some state governments resist this due to control concerns.
Inalegwu said improved trust between citizens and security agencies, enhanced communication, and strengthened local-level policing are critical to tackling the growing insecurity before the 2027 elections.
