Nigeria is witnessing a worrying resurgence of mass abductions, with at least 145 people kidnapped in Kebbi, Niger and Zamfara states in the past four days alone.
The spike in kidnappings is reviving political and security concerns as the country edges towards the 2027 general elections. Similar patterns were recorded in the build-up to the 2023 polls, when abductions surged across several states. A report by The PUNCH showed that between January and March 2023, no fewer than 792 people were abducted nationwide, many in attacks linked to bandits and criminal gangs, particularly in the northern region.
The latest wave of attacks has again placed schools and rural communities under siege.
In the early hours of Monday, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, abducting 25 female students. A staff member was killed in the operation, while a school guard sustained injuries.
The school raid followed deadly attacks in Niger and Zamfara states over the weekend.
On Saturday, bandits launched coordinated assaults on communities in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State, killing at least 16 vigilante members and kidnapping 42 residents.
That same day, Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State came under attack. Three people were killed and at least 64 residents abducted.
On Sunday, bandits carried out yet another raid on Tsohuwar Tasha village in the Ruwan Doruwa Ward of Maru Local Government Area, also in Zamfara State, abducting 14 people, including 11 women and three children.