Armed Gunmen Abduct 25 Girls from Boarding School in Nigeria’s Kebbi State

KEBBI STATE, Nigeria — November 20, 2025 — Armed assailants abducted 25 girls from a boarding school in Kebbi State, officials said Wednesday, marking the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting students in northern Nigeria.

The attack occurred late Tuesday at the girls’ school located in a rural area of Kebbi State. According to authorities, the gunmen arrived in the early evening, overpowered security personnel, and forcibly took the students before fleeing the scene.

Local security forces launched a search operation immediately after the abduction was reported, but no arrests or recoveries had been made as of Wednesday morning. Officials declined to provide further details on the ongoing investigation, citing operational security.

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of mass kidnappings from educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and northwestern regions. Over the past several years, dozens of similar attacks have been carried out by armed groups, often linked to criminal gangs or insurgents seeking ransom payments.

The Nigerian government has repeatedly condemned these attacks and pledged to enhance security measures around schools. However, the frequency of such kidnappings has not significantly decreased, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current strategies.

Parents and community members expressed deep distress over the latest abduction, emphasizing the impact on education and safety in the region. Schools in Kebbi and neighboring states have faced closures or reduced attendance due to fears of further attacks.

Security experts note that the vast and often remote terrain in northern Nigeria provides cover for armed groups, complicating efforts to prevent kidnappings. In addition, limited resources and coordination challenges among security agencies hamper rapid response capabilities.

The international community has also voiced concern over the recurring kidnappings, urging Nigerian authorities to intensify efforts to protect students and bring perpetrators to justice. Human rights organizations continue to call for comprehensive measures addressing the root causes of insecurity, including poverty and weak governance.

As of now, the fate of the 25 abducted girls remains unknown. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in locating the missing students and ensuring their safe return.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges Nigeria faces in safeguarding its educational institutions and protecting vulnerable populations from violence and exploitation.