School kidnappings remain one of Nigeria’s most troubling security challenges, with hundreds of students, teachers and school workers abducted across different parts of the country since President assumed office on May 29, 2023.
While security agencies have successfully rescued many victims and secured the release of others, the recurring attacks have continued to fuel concerns over the safety of schools, particularly in rural communities.
Reports compiled from multiple media and security sources indicate that more than 500 students and school personnel have been affected by major abduction incidents during the period under review.
Below is a timeline of some of the most significant school kidnapping cases recorded since the beginning of the current administration.
September 2023: Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State
Armed men invaded student accommodation linked to and abducted 22 students.
Security agencies later launched operations that led to the rescue of several victims.
October 2023: Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State
Five students were reportedly kidnapped near the campus of , raising concerns about student safety in the area.
2023: Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State
The institution also recorded kidnapping-related incidents involving students, adding to growing fears about insecurity around tertiary institutions.
March 7, 2024: Kuriga School Abduction, Kaduna State
One of the largest school kidnappings in recent years occurred when gunmen attacked LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
The attackers abducted approximately 287 pupils and one teacher from the school community.
Many of the victims were later released after weeks in captivity.
March 2024: Islamic Boarding School Attack In Sokoto
Gunmen abducted 15 pupils from an Islamic boarding school in Gidan Bakuso, Sokoto State.
The incident further highlighted the vulnerability of schools in remote communities.
April 2024: Kogi Islamic School Kidnapping
Twenty-six children were abducted from Darul Kitab Islamic Orphanage and School in Kogi State.
The incident sparked national outrage and renewed calls for stronger protection of educational institutions.
November 17, 2025: Kebbi Schoolgirls Abduction
Gunmen abducted 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
Most of the victims were later released.
November 21, 2025: Papiri School Attack, Niger State
One of the most devastating attacks occurred at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
More than 300 students and staff members were reportedly taken during the attack, although many escaped or were released in stages afterward.
The incident forced school closures and heightened fears among parents and education stakeholders.
May 15, 2026: Oyo School Abduction
The security crisis spread further into the South West when terrorists launched coordinated attacks on schools in Ahoro-Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attackers abducted dozens of pupils, students and teachers from multiple schools.
The incident gained national attention after one of the abducted teachers, Michael Oladokun, was killed by the kidnappers.
The attack triggered protests across Oyo and neighbouring states, with labour unions, civil society groups and community leaders demanding urgent government intervention.
May 2026: Borno School Abduction
Reports also emerged of another school attack involving approximately 42 students from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State.
The incident added to concerns about the continued targeting of educational institutions by armed groups.
Growing Impact On Education
The repeated attacks have disrupted learning activities in several states, forced temporary school closures and increased fears among parents and teachers.
Education experts warn that continued insecurity could worsen Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, particularly in rural and conflict-prone areas.
Many affected communities have also faced economic hardship due to ransom demands, displacement and prolonged school shutdowns.
Government Response
The Federal Government has continued to implement security measures aimed at protecting schools through initiatives such as the Safe Schools Programme and increased security deployments.
President Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians that efforts are ongoing to combat kidnapping, terrorism and banditry across the country.
However, recent incidents in states such as Oyo have renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved community policing and enhanced protection for schools nationwide.
As security agencies continue rescue operations and investigations, many Nigerians remain concerned about the safety of students and teachers across the country.
