The Escalating Crisis of Insecurity in Nigeria
Nigeria has once again found itself at the center of global attention, but not for positive reasons. On November 17, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 female students were abducted from their school. The vice principal was killed, and another individual was injured during the attack. This event is yet another grim reminder of the deepening security crisis that has plagued the nation for years.
On the same day, news emerged that Brigadier General M. Uba had been killed by fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State. His death underscores the growing threat posed by extremist groups operating within the country. While insurgency and insecurity have long been issues in Nigeria, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has seen a troubling escalation in violence and instability.
The Nigerian Constitution, specifically Section 14(2)(b), states that the primary purpose of government is to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens. However, the question remains: Are these fundamental responsibilities being fulfilled across the country?
A Timeline of School Abductions in Nigeria
Over the past 11 years, Nigeria has witnessed several alarming incidents of mass abductions targeting school children. These events highlight the severity of the security challenges faced by the nation:
- February 25, 2014: 59 boys were killed at the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Yobe State. The school buildings were also destroyed.
- April 14, 2014: 276 female students were abducted from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram militants. As of April 2024, over 80 girls remained missing, sparking the global #BringBackOurGirls campaign.
- February 19, 2018: 110 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the Government Girls’ Science and Technical College in Dapchi, Yobe State. Most were released after negotiations, but five died in captivity. One girl, Leah Sharibu, remains in captivity.
- December 11, 2020: Over 300 boys were abducted from the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, by gunmen on motorcycles. They were released after talks with officials.
- February 17, 2021: 27 students and 15 others were abducted from the Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State.
- February 26, 2021: 317 female students were kidnapped from the Government Girls Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State.
- April 20, 2021: At least 20 students and 2 staff members were kidnapped in Kasarami village, Kaduna State.
- June 17, 2021: 80 schoolchildren and five teachers were abducted from the Federal Government College in Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.
- March 7, 2024: Gunmen abducted students and teachers from schools in Kuriga, Kaduna State. All 137 students were released unharmed after 17 days.
- November 17, 2025: 25 female students were abducted from Maga Secondary School, with the vice principal killed and another person injured.
Out of these 10 incidents, only two occurred during Tinubu’s presidency. Notably, female students have been disproportionately affected by these abductions. These events pose a significant threat to the government’s “Education for All” policy and are likely to increase the number of children out of school.
Current Trends in Insecurity
Recent data from organizations like ACLED and Global Rights indicate a worsening trend in insecurity under the current administration. Between May 2023 and mid-2025, thousands of deaths and abductions were reported. According to ACLED, there were 7,472 deaths and 12,584 abductions by terror groups between May 29, 2023, and May 19, 2025. Global Rights recorded at least 4,416 civilian deaths and 3,238 abductions in the first year alone, along with 262 security personnel killed. Nigeria ranks sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with a score of 7.658.
Pathways to Improvement
To address this crisis, the President must take decisive action. This includes incentivizing the armed forces to perform better, equipping them with advanced technology such as satellite surveillance and drones, and establishing state police through constitutional amendments. The National Assembly should prioritize legislative reforms to improve the security framework.
Efforts must also be made to control the flow of small arms and light weapons across the country. The judiciary should expedite the prosecution of arrested terrorists, potentially through a special tribunal. The President’s declaration of a state of emergency for security agencies is a positive step, but more is needed.
Creating an armed corps of retired security personnel could provide additional support to current forces. Seeking international assistance for equipment and technical services is also crucial. Finally, improving governance and delivering democratic dividends can help alleviate the rising cost of living, which often drives people into crime.
