Terrorists on Rampage: FG, Katsina, Plateau Shut Schools, Ribadu Meets Hegseth
Terrorists on Rampage: FG, Katsina, Plateau Shut Schools, Ribadu Meets Hegseth
*CAN: 227 students, teachers kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School
*Niger State govt says management ignored security advisory
*Northern governors condemn incident, demand swift, coordinated action to rescue victims
Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke, Sunday Aborisade, Kuni Tyessi, in Abuja, Laleye Dipo in Minna, Segun Awofadeji in Gombe, Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
It has been a harvest of tragedies for Nigeria as terrorists and bandits have run riot with mass kidnapping of school girls, with the latest being the kidnapping of students of St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara Local government in Niger State.
While there are conflicting reports on the actual number of students and teachers kidnapped by the terrorists, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, put the figure at 227 persons.
In response, the federal government, Katsina and Plateau States yesterday ordered the immediate closure of schools, a move underscoring the urgency of protecting children trapped on the frontlines of insecurity.
This comes two days after Kwara State Government directed the closure of schools across four Local government areas following escalating insecurity in the affected communities.
As fear spreads and security pressures mount, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who led Nigeria’s delegation of security leaders to the United States over President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ has met the United States Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. The meeting, which was held at the Pentagon, saw both leaders discuss ways to make tangible progress on stopping alleged violence against Christians in Nigeria and combating West African jihadist terrorist groups. Hegseth emphasised the need for Nigeria to demonstrate commitment and take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians and conveyed the Department’s desire to work by, with, and through Nigeria to deter and degrade terrorists that threaten the United States.
A few days ago, about 25 girls of Girls Secondary School in Kebbi State were also abducted, leading to some advocates calling for a declaration of a state of emergency in security and kidnapping.
Reacting to the latest sad incident, the Niger State Government, while confirming the kidnap, claimed that the authorities of the St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, “ignored its security advisory” on the closure of schools in certain parts of the state as a result of insecurity.
However, security experts have urged the federal government to abrogate Nigeria’s outdated 1959 Firearms Act, arguing that the colonial-era legislation was no longer capable of addressing the country’s worsening insecurity, pointing out that law’s restrictive provisions have failed to curb the proliferation of sophisticated weapons in the hands of criminal groups, while enforcement gaps have left citizens vulnerable to banditry, terrorism, and violent crime.
Apparently miffed by the consistently successful raids on schools, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have , while condemning the renewed wave of schoolgirl kidnappings in parts of Northern Nigeria, accused the Federal Government of negligence, weak political will, and a failing security leadership that has allowed mass abductions to continue unchecked for more than a decade.
Also, Governors of Northern States under the aegis of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), expressed deep distress over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers from St. Mary’s School, with the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, describing the incident as a disturbing and unacceptable affront on the safety of children. He reiterated that schools must remain centres of learning, not spaces for violence.
In what appeared like an expression of regional concern, President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, called for global support to win the ongoing war on terrorism across West Africa and the Sahel region, insisting that if treated with kid gloves it poses existential threat to the area.
Also, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, called for actionable plans to stop the ugly trend.
Katsina and Plateau have ordered the immediate closure of public schools in their respective States in response to escalating security threats in the northern region of the country.
For Katsina, the directive was issued yesterday, by its Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, confirmed the shutdown in an interview with DW Hausa, saying it was a precautionary measure following recent attacks in neighbouring states.
Similarly, Plateau State Government ordered the immediate closure of basic schools across the State, saying it was a temporary measure to enable it adopt security measures to protect students.
“The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state as follows: Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) will close effective Saturday, 22 November 2025. Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, 24 November 2025. This decision is underscoring the urgent need for preventive action.
“The Board assures parents, guardians, and stakeholders that this closure is a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential threats and to reassure communities that the government is prioritising the well-being of our learners.”
CAN: 227 Students, Teachers Kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School
The Chairman, CAN Niger State, Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, confirmed that 227 persons including teachers were abducted by terrorists in yesterday morning raid on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwara local government area of the state.
Yohanna, in a statement e,-signed by Dan Atori, his media aide, stated: “From our record, 215 pupils and students including 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists”.
He added: “I (Dr Yohanna)have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely.
“From our record, 215 pupils and students including 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists.
“It is worthy to note that, during the terrorists’ attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming to pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.”
The CAN chairman called on everyone to “remain calm and prayerful and I also want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with security operatives, community leaders and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.
“May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect his people from all dangers” the clergyman said in the statement.”
THISDAY gathered that 11 students escaped from the claws of the terrorists and have reunited with their parents.
FG Orders Closure of 41 Unity Colleges
Following escalating cases of kidnappings, particularly of school children, the federal government yesterday, ordered the closure of 41 Federal Government Colleges.
In a circular titled, “Circular to all Principals, Federal Unity Colleges- Closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges,” which was released yesterday, and signed by the Director in charge of Senior Secondary School, Binta Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government said all principals of affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance.
“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect.
“Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please, accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”
The schools are FGGC Minjibir, FGC Ilorin, FTC Ganduje, FGGC Omuaran, FGGC Zaria, FTC Gwanara, FTC Kafanchan, FGC Ugwolawo, FGGC Bakori, FGGC Kabba, FTC Dati, FTC Ogugu, FGC Daura, FGGC Bwari, FGGC Tambuwal, FGC Rubichi, FSC Sokoto, FGGC Abaji and FTC Wurno.
Others are FGGC Potiskum, FGC Gusau, FGC Buni Yadi, FGC Anka, FTC Gashua FGGC Gwandu, FTC Michika, FGC Birnin Yauri, FGC Ganye, FTC Zuru, FGC Azare, FGC Kiyawa, FGGC Kazaure, FTC Misau FTC Hadejia, FGGC Bajoga, FGGC Bida, FGC BIlliri, FGC New Bussa, FTC Zambuk and FTC Kuta-Shiroro.
The School Didn’t Get Clearance to Reopen, Says Niger Govt
The Secretary to the State Government of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, yesterday, said the latest abduction happened because the school ignored security reports and did not get clearance to commence the term. He said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Minna.
Usman noted that, “the breach occurred despite earlier intelligence reports received by the Government warning of heightened security threats across parts of Niger North Senatorial District.
“Acting on these credible indicators, the State Government had promptly directed the suspension of all construction work and the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected axis as a preventive measure.”
“Unfortunately, St. Mary’s School reopened for academic activities without notifying or obtaining clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and staff to avoidable danger” Usman said in the statement.
He submitted that, “Security agencies have now launched full investigation and coordinated search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe return of the abducted pupils” adding that: “The Government remains in constant communication with all relevant security formations and will continue to provide updates as verified information emerges.”
The government scribe however, advised “school proprietors, traditional and community leaders, and all stakeholders to strictly comply with security advisories issued for public safety” insisting that, “Protecting the lives of citizens—especially children—remains the highest priority of this administration.”
The police confirmed the incident in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, wherein he said it’s team and that of the Nigerian Army had already been dispatched to comb the forests for the arrest of the bandits and rescue of the abducted students.
The police statement read in part: “The Niger State Police Command wishes to confirm that on 21st November, 2025 at about 2.00am, report received indicated that some armed bandits invaded St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Secondary School, Papiri Agwara LGA and abducted a yet to be ascertained number of students from the School’s hostel.
“However, Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescue the abducted students.
“In view of this, the Commissioner of Police Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman reiterated the Command’s commitment to rescue the students unhurt, and appealed to members of the public to remain calm and support security operations to rescue the students.”
The police, however, said: “it will investigate and take necessary action against the school management for continuing academic activities, contrary to the State government directive on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges.”
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora also confirmed the incident and allayed the fears of the public.
A statement by the Diocesan Secretary Reverend Father Jatau Joseph Luka called on the public to remain calm ” and continue to pray for safe and quick return of those abducted”.
Northern Governors Lament
In a statement by the northern governors, they warned that Northern Nigeria cannot afford further setbacks in its collective push to mop up out-of-school children and return them to the classroom.
“As a Forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror. Northern Nigeria already contends with significant challenges and educational setbacks, and we cannot allow criminal elements to derail our collective efforts at returning out-of-school children back into the classroom.
“The Forum is deeply worried and saddened by this ugly trend, especially at a time when governments across the North are investing heavily in creating safe, conducive and resilient learning environments,” the statement said.
He said as governors they cannot fold their arms and watch criminal elements undermine their efforts and instill fear in young learners and the region in general.
“The rising trend of attacks on schools is worrisome and saddening. As governors, we will continue to work closely with the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance and reinforce the protection of our schools,” he added
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, on behalf of the Forum, conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the parents of the abducted pupils, the school authorities and the Government of Niger State, describing the ordeal as heartbreaking and deeply troubling.
He called for swift, decisive and well-coordinated action by all security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and to prevent similar occurrences.
Security Experts, CSOs Weigh in
Security experts, while lending their voices to resolving the knotty issue of insecurity, called for a complete overhaul—rather than piecemeal amendments of the Firearms Act—is necessary to create a modern legal framework that reflects today’s security realities and strengthens national defence against armed threats.
The former Security Adviser to the Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Rekpene Bassey, described the obsolete legislation as a colonial instrument that has outlived its usefulness.
Speaking to THISDAY, Bassey stated that it was clear the colonial masters enacted the Firearms Act of 1959 to suit their own purposes.
“Sixty-six years down the line, so many things have changed in the country; the challenges have shifted considerably in terms of security realities,” he said.
He further explained, “Some of the key provisions of that Act prohibit the possession of certain calibres of weapon, including automatic and some semi-automatic arms, without a licence from the President or the Inspector-General of Police. Given the way things are today, it should not be retained as a piece of legislation.
“If we look at the conflicts unfolding throughout the country, we see non-state actors wielding these prohibited weapons, even when the law requires approval from the President or the IGP for private use.
“Criminal elements across the federation are in possession of these prohibited weapons. So, how has the Act assisted the government in controlling their possession? It has not, and therefore it requires a total review or abrogation. Regrettably, those who have procured these prohibited weapons through illegal means are using them to terrorise innocent citizens. They are killing and maiming people continually.”
On his part, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Barrister Mike Ejiofor, stressed that any measure necessary to address the country’s insecurity should be welcomed.
He noted that, personally, he has long been calling on the National Assembly to liberalise the possession of firearms in Nigeria so that individuals who feel unsafe could carry arms for self-defence.
The retired top undercover agent argued, “If all of us were carrying arms, criminal gangs, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers would not be able to continue their activities—going to places to kill, maim, and destroy property. Arms in the hands of citizens would counterbalance their impunity, even though the weapons they use are sophisticated and prohibited firearms.
“But if citizens are armed to an extent, the impunity with which these criminals operate would be checkmated. While reviewing the Act, lawmakers should consider liberalisation so that qualified individuals can be licensed to carry arms. I believe that is one way forward, especially since the issue of state police is still pending.”
Supporting this view, public policy analyst Chidi Ugwu stated that the Firearms Act has outlived its usefulness, citing the proliferation not only of small arms but also of sophisticated and prohibited firearms.
He added that what the country needs now is a legal instrument that reflects Nigeria’s unique circumstances, emphasising that laws are made for people, not people for the law.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) also called for a comprehensive review of the 1959 Firearms Act to strengthen the control of illicit arms in Nigeria.
The Director-General of NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), made the call during a recent workshop on the review of the Firearms Act in Abuja.
Kokumo had noted that while Nigeria had relied on a military framework for arms control for over six decades, global developments had rendered the existing legal framework inadequate.
Also, some security analysts and policy experts called for the implementation of effective community policing across Nigeria as a key strategy to tackle the country’s worsening insecurity.
They argued that involving local communities in policing not only improves intelligence gathering but also fosters trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Experts emphasised that properly structured community policing units, equipped with adequate resources, training, and clear command channels, could help reduce crime, deter criminal networks, and complement national security efforts in areas where conventional policing is often limited or absent.
In a telephone interview with THISDAY, security and intelligence expert, retired Ejike Eze, explained that security, like politics, was local.
He added, “A stranger will not easily go to a place he does not understand to steal. When people shout at him, he may not even know which road to take to safety.
“A stranger in a new area will first study the environment, particularly the entrance and exit routes. Although criminals often do not have that time, they usually rely on local insider collaborators to guide them in and out of the area.”
Eze observed that while community policing has long been discussed, implementation has been the major challenge.
He assured that community policing, if properly managed and executed, could reduce the crime rate to a minimal level. “It will not eliminate crime entirely, but it will certainly reduce it.
In a seperate conversation with THISDAY, the Executive Director of the Elixir Trust Foundation and Convener of the Benue Accountability Network, Emmanuel Ikule, alongside the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, held the view that with the latest incidents in Kebbi, Niger, and Nasarawa States demonstrated that the government has lost control of the security situation.
Ikule said Nigeria’s insecurity has worsened because those entrusted with securing the country; including the Minister of Defence and the National Security Adviser; have shown “no genuine interest” in resolving the crisis.
According to him, the Department of State Services (DSS) often has intelligence before attacks occur, yet the military and political leaders fail to act, raising troubling concerns about what trillions budgeted for defence are being used for.
He questioned why troops are routinely deployed without air support and why security agencies only respond after kidnappers demand ransom.
Ikule said the security failure is compounded by porous borders that allow foreign fighters in, adding that some communities now see the attacks as a “second phase of jihad.”
Calling leadership failure “the core problem,” Ikule proposed the adoption of the “Four Ps” to tackle insecurity: Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Peace Building.
Similarly, RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the recurring abductions as “deeply unfortunate,” noting that many previously kidnapped children have still not been rescued.
“It is ironic that the president, who once called on former President Jonathan to resign over repeated abductions, is today presiding over even worse incidents,” he said.
Nwanguma said the government must deploy all available resources to secure the release of the kidnapped schoolgirls and prevent future attacks, insisting that the unrestrained operations of bandits show that the state has lost control.
“If the president cannot ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians; the primary purpose of government; then he has no basis to remain in office,” he said.
The CSOs called for urgent reforms within Nigeria’s security architecture, robust community-based policing committees, accountability for compromised officers, and credible prosecution of terrorists rather than reintegration.
Atiku Calls for State of Emergency on Insecurity
Atiku Abubakar, while reacting to yesterday’s attack, warned that the spiraling kidnappings across the country demanded urgent and extraordinary action.
“Not again. This is truly heartbreaking,” he wrote on X.
“How many more lives must be shattered before decisive action is taken? It is not too late for the government to finally declare a state of emergency on insecurity and confront this menace with the urgency it deserves,” the former Vice President added.
ECOWAS Reacts
The ECOWAS Commission delivered a stark warning: terrorism, once limited to pockets of the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, has now grown into a region-wide threat capable of destabilizing all of West Africa.
*CAN: 227 students, teachers kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School *Niger State govt says management ignored security advisory *Northern governors condemn incident, demand swift, coordinated action to rescue victims Chuks
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