The Psychological Impact of Insecurity on Children in Nigeria
School attacks, kidnappings, and the worsening insecurity in Nigeria are posing serious threats to the mental health of children. Mental health experts have raised concerns about the long-term effects these incidents can have on children, including depression, anxiety, poor academic performance, trust issues, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These challenges are not just immediate but can persist for years, affecting children’s emotional stability and overall well-being.
Psychiatrists emphasize that beyond the initial fear and distress caused by such events, many affected children and those who hear about the incidents may experience emotional instability, memory problems, and difficulties in relating to others. Exposure to extreme violence at an early age can significantly impact a child’s mental development, increasing the risk of substance abuse, aggression, and vulnerability to recruitment into criminal or violent groups.
Without urgent interventions to address the psychological toll of insecurity, Nigeria could see a further rise in mental health disorders. Currently, over 60 million people in the country are already affected by mental health issues. Experts advise teachers, parents, and caregivers to be vigilant for signs such as withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, poor academic performance, irritability, persistent fear, confusion, and emotional distress. Early psychological support is crucial in mitigating these risks.
Recent school invasions and kidnappings in Oyo and Borno states have highlighted the severity of the situation. For instance, 42 pupils were kidnapped in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State. On May 15, bandits attacked several schools in Oyo State, abducting over 40 children and teachers. One of the abducted teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later killed by the bandits. These incidents have sparked protests and calls for the release of the victims.
Despite the Federal Government’s N145bn Safe Schools Initiative, a recent PUNCH analysis revealed that at least 603 pupils and teachers were kidnapped in seven major school abductions between March 2024 and May 2026. This underscores the ongoing threat to children’s safety and mental health.
Professor Taiwo Obindo, a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos and former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, explained that the impact of school abductions extends beyond temporary fear. It affects children’s willingness to attend school, their academic performance, and overall mental well-being. Many children and adults exposed to such incidents may develop PTSD, leading to fear, confusion, and uncertainty about daily activities.
Obindo noted that even children living far from affected communities could experience psychological distress through exposure to reports of violent attacks. He emphasized that insecurity could trigger depression, anxiety disorders, and reduced motivation to attend school among pupils and teachers. “Some children, even teachers, may develop depression; others may develop other forms of anxiety disorders, reduced motivation to go to school, and education generally will be affected,” he said.
The psychiatrist also warned about the long-term implications of such trauma. Children directly affected by kidnappings and violent attacks could experience lasting psychological damage that may persist into adulthood. Trust issues and difficulties in relating to others are likely to follow. “Their (the children’s) trust in the system, school, the country, and the environment will surely be impacted,” he added.
Obindo urged teachers and caregivers to watch out for poor academic performance, withdrawal from social interactions, confusion, irritability, and emotional instability in children. “Some of them will become unhappy for no particular reason. Some of them may get easily irritated, getting angry with little or no provocation. So, all these will impact their emotional well-being,” he stated.
Dr. Samuel Aladejare, a Consultant Psychiatrist, echoed similar concerns. He stated that survivors of kidnapping and violent attacks are at risk of developing mental health conditions. “Some will develop mental health issues based on that particular experience. Issues like dissociation, where they separate their being from their experience, and sometimes they can’t even talk, and they are dazed. And then things like PTSD, anxiety, depressive disorders, substance abuse, these issues could be an outcome of this kind of kidnapping experience,” he said.
Aladejare warned that exposure to armed criminals and violence could shape children’s future behavior, making some vulnerable to criminal recruitment later in life. “A very terrible possibility is that such children could now become easy recruits for crime. Armed robbery, stealing, even future bandits and terrorist groups in the future, they can become easy recruits because they saw such things being done,” he said.
He further noted that prolonged exposure to fear and stress could affect children’s emotional balance and cognitive development. Children living under persistent fear may struggle with concentration, memory, planning, and organization, leading to poor academic performance. Traumatic experiences could also trigger severe psychiatric disorders in individuals who are already vulnerable.
Aladejare urged parents and caregivers to pay attention to children who suddenly stop talking, refuse to eat, experience sleep disturbances, suffer recurring nightmares, become excessively fearful, or display unusual irritability. These signs may indicate that the experiences have taken a significant toll on them.
Creating a safe society remains the most effective way of protecting children from the psychological consequences of violence. “There should be appropriate plans for mental health rehabilitation. We are talking about clinical psychologists or psychiatrists who have knowledge of psychological first aid, who can engage with children in regular therapy sessions to help them properly process those experiences, so that it does not stay with them in the future,” he added.
