No fewer than 603 students and teachers have been kidnapped in seven mass abductions across schools in Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026 under President Bola Tinubu, as poor implementation of the N145 billion Safe Schools Initiative exposes pupils to armed attacks.

The repeated attacks have raised questions over the effectiveness of the School Safety Programme Initiative introduced after the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, with stakeholders blaming weak implementation, lack of infrastructure and poor security presence in many schools.

The development has triggered renewed concerns over the safety of learning environments across the country.

A media tally of reported incidents across Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Borno and Oyo states show that the victims were abducted in coordinated school raids by armed groups, with stakeholders warning that the crisis reflects the weakening implementation of school protection policies.

The figure, which covers only major mass abductions, may be higher if isolated incidents involving primary, secondary and tertiary institutions are included.

In the March 7, 2024, attack on the LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, 137 schoolchildren were abducted by armed men on motorcycles, according to official figures later verified by authorities.

Two days later, on March 9, 2024, gunmen stormed a Tsangaya school in Gidan Bakuso, Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State, abducting 15 students, bringing the early 2024 total to 152 victims.

On November 17, 2025, gunmen abducted 25 schoolgirls from Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State’s Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.

Four days later, on November 21, 2025, St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, was attacked, with 303 students and 12 teachers abducted, though authorities later said they were rescued in coordinated operations.

In Kogi State, on April 26, 2026, armed men abducted 23 pupils from Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and School in Zariagi, Lokoja, alongside the proprietor’s wife.

On May 17, 2026, 42 students were abducted after suspected Boko Haram fighters invaded a school in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Earlier, on May 15, 2026, armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, for a total of 46 victims.

In 2023, the National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative under the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Halima Illiya, disclosed that the project was expected to begin in 18 states, covering at least 48 schools in each state.

Illiya had acknowledged that schools in the country have struggled with persistent attacks by extremists, bandits, and kidnappers, which compelled the government to launch the Safe Schools Initiative.

“We have sent an advanced team to the states. We have shortlisted 18 very high-risk states, and we hope to cover, between 2023 and 2026, the entire 36 schools. We are expecting 48 schools from each state.

“A National Plan on Financing Safe Schools was developed and launched in December 2022. The National Plan will be implemented between 2023 and 2026, with a total investment size of N144.8bn.

“The plan proposes N32.58bn in 2023, N36.98bn in 2023, N37.15bn in 2025, and N38.03bn in 2026, respectively. To this end, the Federal Government has made a provision of N15bn in 2023.”

She also said that the plan was to cover 50 per cent of most of the public schools at risk of attacks over the medium term.

Illiya could not be reached on Wednesday for comment on the number of states implementing the safe school project. A senior official blamed poor funding for the ineffectiveness of the programme.

“You know, we are still talking to the states, and there is still a good response from them. Making the budget is not enough, you can put a budget, but funding becomes an issue.

“So, what the Federal Government is doing, we are trying to agree with the states. We are making consultations. We have met with the Nigeria Governors Forum and the Minister of Finance. We are trying to arrive at something meaningful in the interest of the country. Consultations are going on, so many things are happening.”

The source added, ‘’Safe Schools is an intervention. It is not something that will address our issue 100 per cent. The way to show commitment to Nigeria is by having a special intervention to support the education sector to ensure the safety of the community and the schools at large. If you look at it, it’s very strategic.

“What we are doing is not just focused on the school community. It is very strategic because these actors pass through the community. These actors are people within our communities. It’s important to build the resilience of the community.”

On states that are implementing the project, he stated, “The states that go the extra mile in keying into the Safe School Project include Plateau. They made a commitment. I knew about Bauchi State when we were engaging with the governors. They made a commitment. Jigawa State also gave us a centre. This discussion is still ongoing.”

The Parent-Teacher Association and Nigeria Union of Teachers lamented that many schools still lack perimeter fencing and adequate security personnel, while calling for urgent government intervention to prevent further attacks.

Specifically, the National President of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, accused state governments of neglecting their responsibilities toward the education and security of schoolchildren.

Speaking on the growing insecurity in schools, Danjuma said recent incidents of abductions and attacks on schools across different regions of the country had exposed the lack of commitment by governments to the safety of learners.

“Governments at all levels do not have an interest in educating and taking care of the security of children in their schools.

“We have seen attacks happen in different parts of the country. Teachers have been killed and children abducted, yet we have not seen enough action from those responsible,” he lamented.

Danjuma described the failure of many states to embrace the Safe Schools initiative as evidence of a broader lack of commitment to education.

“One indication is that they do not have an interest in those schools under their control. The Safe Schools programme is one of the most important issues every state governor should handle with utmost seriousness,” he said.

The PTA leader also alleged that education was not receiving the attention it deserved despite budgetary allocations by state governments.

He stated, “You can see the money budgeted for education in every state, but it is difficult to see evidence that the funds have been spent on education. We don’t know where the money is going.”

Danjuma further bemoaned the poor infrastructure and inadequate security arrangements in many public schools.

“You still find schools with dilapidated buildings, no perimeter fencing and no responsible security personnel strong enough to protect those on the premises,” he said.

He accused state governors of prioritising political interests over the welfare of students.

“They take their own children to private schools while leaving ordinary Nigerian children to suffer,” the PTA leader stated.

He warned that continued insecurity could discourage parents from enrolling their children in public schools.

“Very soon, Nigerian parents may find it difficult to send their children to public schools because they no longer feel safe,” he said.

According to him, every state governor must take concrete measures to protect schools by providing adequate security infrastructure and personnel.

“We are the parents and we need peace of mind. Our children should be able to attend school knowing they are safe. That is the responsibility of the government,” the PTA leader added.

Similarly, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Amba, said even states that had enrolled in the Safe Schools programme were yet to demonstrate significant improvements in school security.

“Even the states that have done that, we have not seen any positive response or positive protection as the case may be,” Amba said.

He noted that schools had increasingly become targets of kidnappers and bandits.

“Our schools have become exposed to danger in terms of kidnapping and banditry. The bandits have shifted their tactics and are now focusing their attention on schools. Our schools are no longer safe,” the NUT leader said.

Amba stressed that while the government remained primarily responsible for security, communities also had important roles to play.

“Security is everybody’s business now. Government must provide security, but communities must also remain vigilant and provide information whenever they observe suspicious movements.”

He warned that education could not thrive in an unsafe environment.

“If the learning environment is not safe, then education can never take place. We are all beneficiaries of safe spaces and our schools deserve the same protection.”

The NUT president urged state governments to fully embrace the Safe Schools initiative and collaborate with federal authorities to protect educational institutions nationwide.

“State governments, local governments and the Federal Government should join forces to make sure that our schools are safe because attacks are increasingly being directed at schools,” he said.

Amba also warned that teachers might be compelled to take stronger action if insecurity persisted.

“If this situation continues, we have no reason not to shut down schools across the country. The safety of teachers and students must come first,” he said.

In Bauchi State, the Nigeria Union of Teachers called for improved protection of schools and stronger government commitment to safeguarding educators and learners, while urging authorities to clarify delays in adopting the Safe Schools programme.

Bauchi NUT boss, Aminu Aliyu, who spoke against the backdrop of the protests against the abduction of Oyo State pupils and teachers, urged state ministries of education, which had yet to subscribe to the school safety initiative, to explain their position, stressing the urgent need to protect educational institutions from security threats.

He lamented the continued abduction of teachers, students and education workers across parts of the country, noting that some victims remained in captivity without clear information on efforts toward their rescue.

“Our teachers and learners must be protected within the school environment. Governments and security agencies must act swiftly to secure the release of abducted teachers, students and other victims still in captivity,” he said.

The NUT chairman warned that teachers may be left with difficult choices if insecurity around schools continues unchecked.

He also expressed concern over the emotional and psychological impact of kidnappings and attacks on teachers, students and their families, describing the situation as troubling.

According to him, the union was worried over the continued detention of some abducted education workers and the absence of clear signs regarding their rescue.

Aliyu disclosed that the national leadership of the union had directed branches at the state and local government levels to intensify advocacy on the need for safe and secure learning environments.

He added that the union stood in solidarity with victims and their families, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that teachers and learners carry out their activities in safety and dignity.

The Bauchi State Ministry of Education declined to explain the reasons behind the slow registration by the state for the Safe School Initiative.

When contacted for clarification, the ministry’s Information Officer, Jalaluddeen Usman, simply responded, “No comment.”

Stakeholders in Benue and Katsina States pointed to ongoing state-level interventions, including fencing of schools and adoption of safety policies, as steps toward improving security in learning environments.

The State Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Margaret Adamu, in a telephone interview on Tuesday, said the state had long subscribed to the initiative, adding that the government has stepped up surveillance across schools in the state to ensure security.

She said, “Benue State has subscribed to the school safety initiative, and we are working with the Civil Defence Corps, where the centre is domiciled.

“The government is putting a lot of measures to ensure that our schools are saved. The government has fenced over 300 schools across the state, which has attracted commendation during the last meeting we held in Abuja.

“We have been able to identify vulnerable schools across the state, and we have heightened surveillance and ensured adequate security is put in place, especially in all our boarding schools and those in border areas.’’

The commissioner assured that the government would continue to ensure the safety of the school environment in the state.

The state chairman of the NUT, Levi Akuma, told our correspondent on the phone that a meeting would soon be convened with the state government to further see how to beef up security in all schools across the state.

Also, Katsina said it has recently launched a policy on safety, security and violence-free schools.

The policy was adapted from the 2021 National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools with support from Save the Children and funding from Education Cannot Wait.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Katsina in early May, Governor Radda declared that every school in the state must become a safe environment for learning, free from fear, violence and disruption.

According to him, “Education is the strongest pillar for development, peace and prosperity. But education can only thrive where schools are safe and secure. This policy declares our unwavering commitment to protecting every school in Katsina State.’’

He described the policy as more than a government document, saying it represents a clear commitment to transforming schools into protected spaces where children can learn in dignity and peace.

Radda noted that insecurity, attacks on schools, bullying, substance abuse and gender-based violence have negatively affected learning outcomes across the state, making urgent intervention necessary.

“Safety in schools will not be treated as an afterthought. It is a core element of our education and security agenda,” he stated.

The governor assured residents that the government would commit resources to improving school infrastructure, strengthening security measures, enhancing child protection systems and building teachers’ capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

He also called on the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Education and security agencies to support Katsina through policy alignment, technical assistance and sustainable funding.

Radda further urged communities to take ownership of schools in their areas, stressing that school safety is a collective responsibility. “When communities take ownership of their schools, we build a stronger and more resilient education system.”

Amnesty reacts

Amnesty International also said the Safe Schools Initiative has been hampered by bureaucratic bottlenecks and allegations of corruption, adding that many states have failed to fully implement its provisions.

Amnesty posted on X, “The Safe Schools Initiative to improve security around schools was launched in the aftermath of the Chibok abductions. However, its implementation has been bogged down by bureaucratic roadblocks and allegations of corruption. As a result, many northern states have closed hundreds of schools indefinitely, disrupting the education of thousands of children.”

NLC backs NUT

The Nigeria Labour Congress threw its weight behind the nationwide protests by the NUT, warning it could mobilise solidarity actions alongside teachers and other vulnerable workers if governments at all levels fail to take more decisive steps to address worsening insecurity.

The labour centre’s position comes amid heightened concerns over the recent abduction of pupils, teachers and school workers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide protests and a strike action by the NUT.

In a statement on Wednesday and signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC described the teachers’ action as a legitimate response to persistent attacks on education workers and schoolchildren.

The national and well-coordinated action represents the resolve of teachers to take their destiny into their hands instead of waiting to be slaughtered to the last person,” Ajaero said.

According to him, the strike also serves as a “gentle but unignorable nudge” to governments to take the country’s security challenges more seriously.

The NLC commended the leadership of the NUT under Amba for organising what it described as a thoughtful nationwide action in response to the worsening security situation.

“Our hearts are with the teachers, pupils/students and other vulnerable workers,” he said. “We are heartbroken by the ugly pictures of our children, held and tortured by depraved bandits in the forests of Oyo State.”

The NLC president warned that the country could no longer afford to treat insecurity as routine, noting that attacks and mass abductions had spread across several regions.

“As a nation, we cannot continue to fold our hands while this horror movie continues to play, from Zamfara to Oyo, from Maiduguri to Port Harcourt,” he added.

Ajaero disclosed that the Congress had consistently advocated stronger security measures, citing previous security summits and nationwide protests organised by the labour movement, including a major demonstration in 2024.

The labour leader lamented that subsequent mass kidnappings in states including Plateau and Kogi had further demonstrated that criminal groups remained active despite ongoing security operations.

While acknowledging the complexities surrounding rescue operations, particularly in Oyo State, Ajaero urged authorities to move beyond assurances and condolences to tangible results.

The NLC also demanded the immediate release of all abducted persons. “Free the abductees now, wherever they are held,” Ajaero said.

Reacting to the rising spate of school abductions in the country, a security analyst, Chidi Omeje, described the figures as “staggering” and warned that the trend has become deeply alarming and recurring.

Omeje said the situation should worry every Nigerian, noting that what was once considered an isolated tragedy has now become a pattern across the country.

“The figures you quoted are quite staggering. The situation is very, very concerning. Every Nigerian should be worried about this kind of development,” he said.

He recalled that large-scale school kidnappings were first widely seen around 2014, adding that many had expected such incidents to remain isolated.

“The first large-scale kidnapping happened in 2014, and we thought it was going to be one of those crazy events,” Omeje said.

According to him, the persistence of such attacks shows that the problem has not only endured but also become normalised.

“But we have seen that it has become a norm in our country. It has become something that is recurring. And that is a shock and our disappointment,” he added.

Omeje expressed concern that despite earlier incidents such as Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara and others, the attacks have continued unabated across different parts of the country.

N2.52bn surveillance equipment

A total of N2,522,404,229.47 was paid on February 25, 2025, to Ontrac Technologies Limited for the activation and upgrade of a strategic surveillance system under the Nigeria Police Force Technical Intelligence Unit.

The payment was disclosed on GovSpend, a public portal that tracks government expenditure.

According to transaction details, the fund was released for the activation of the surveillance system to ensure public safety.

“Being payment for activation and upgrade of the strategic surveillance system of public safety for the NPF technical intelligence unit cobweb solution,” the transaction details read.

The surveillance project is part of efforts aimed at strengthening public safety monitoring and improving intelligence gathering by security agencies.

Despite the large-scale payment, a large number of Nigerians are kidnapped across the country almost daily.

The presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, Adekunle Omoaje, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of 96 pupils and teachers abducted in separate attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno States.

Omoaje described the incidents as a national emergency, warning that the continued targeting of schools by kidnappers and insurgents poses a grave threat to education and national security.

He further called for the accelerated implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative to improve security around educational institutions through enhanced surveillance systems, protective infrastructure and rapid-response mechanisms.

Lagos ADC

The African Democratic Congress, Lagos State Chapter, also called for immediate and intensified security operations to rescue kidnapped children across the country, describing the recurring abductions as a direct assault on Nigeria’s collective humanity.

In a statement signed by its Lagos State Chairman, Hon. George Ashiru, the party expressed deep concern and heartfelt sympathy for families currently enduring the agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their children.

“No parent should have to endure the agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their child,” the statement read, adding that the disturbing development is not only an attack on affected families but also a threat to the safety of every Nigerian child.

The ADC Lagos chapter stood in solidarity with the affected families while calling on all security agencies to intensify efforts towards the immediate rescue of the children and the apprehension of those responsible for the heinous crime.

“We commend the security personnel currently working on the matter and urge them not to relent until every child is safely reunited with their family,” Ashiru said.

The party also appealed to community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and well-meaning Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that may aid rescue efforts.

Addressing the root of the problem, the ADC noted that recurring kidnapping incidents across the country demand renewed commitment from government at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve community policing initiatives, and invest more resources in protecting vulnerable citizens, especially women and children.

As a political party committed to justice, security, and the welfare of the people, the ADC believes that every Nigerian child deserves to grow up in an environment free from fear, violence, and criminal threats,” the statement said.

The party urged Nigerians to remain united, vigilant, and hopeful at this difficult moment, praying for the safe return of the kidnapped children and comfort for their families.

“The safety of our children must remain a national priority,” Ashiru emphasised, as the ADC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and actions that will guarantee the security of lives and property across the nation.

“Together, we must say no to kidnapping, no to insecurity, and yes to a safer Nigeria for all,” the statement concluded.

NANS plan protest

Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students, Zone E (North-East), on Wednesday, directed all its structures across the region to participate in a peaceful solidarity protest following the abduction of 42 students from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The demonstration, slated for June 5 to June 7, 2026, will take place simultaneously across the five North-East states of Borno, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa and Taraba.

In a notice issued by the Chief of Staff to the Zonal Coordinator, Lukman Yusuf, NANS said the action was intended to draw national attention to the plight of the abducted students and press for intensified rescue efforts.

“The demonstration is aimed at drawing attention to the plight of the abducted students, expressing solidarity with their families, and calling on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts towards their immediate rescue,” Yusuf stated.

NANS directed all its structures, including Joint Campus Committee leadership, Students’ Union Government executives, delegates and stakeholders, to mobilise members responsibly and ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.

Also, pan-African and humanitarian Organisation, NBM of Africa Worldwide, has declared a seven-day fasting and prayer programme for the safe release of the abducted Oyo pupils and teachers.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Worldwide President of the movement, Dr Charles Chimezie, who expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of kidnapping, violent crimes and attacks on innocent citizens in various parts of the country. (The PUNCH)