Two schoolgirls have managed to escape after being abducted along with at least 25 others in a daring raid on a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria, as security forces ramp up efforts to locate and rescue the remaining captives.
In the predawn hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, armed gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi state. They scaled the perimeter fence and engaged police in a gun battle before seizing the students from their dormitory. During the attack, a teacher was killed while trying to protect the girls, and a security guard later succumbed to gunshot wounds, leaving the community in shock.
Amid the chaos, two girls escaped the captors. One fled immediately after the raid and was not abducted, while the other managed to run away as the gunmen were leading the group into nearby bushes. The escapee who fled later arrived home safely, though she sustained a leg injury during her flight across farmland, and both are now reported to be safe and receiving necessary care.
The abductions have triggered an intensive search operation involving soldiers, police, vigilantes, and local hunters combing forested areas and major roads. Nigeria’s army chief, Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, has directed “intelligence-driven operations and relentless day-and-night pursuit” of the abductors, emphasizing that “success is not optional” in rescuing the children and ensuring their safe return.
This incident is part of a broader pattern of school kidnappings in northern Nigeria, where armed groups, often labeled as “bandits,” frequently target educational institutions for ransom or to gain leverage with the government. Over the past decade, thousands of students have been abducted, with the 2014 Chibok kidnapping by Boko Haram being one of the most notorious, highlighting persistent security failures in the region.
Families of the missing girls are enduring immense anguish, with many gathered at the school in a desperate wait for news. One inconsolable father described how his family has been crying non-stop, while the daughter of the slain security guard revealed that her own child and granddaughter were among the abducted, compounding the personal tragedy and community grief.
Authorities, including Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris and federal officials, have expressed deep concern and assured the public of urgent efforts to secure the girls’ release. Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi stated that the government shares in the pain of the affected families and remains committed to protecting all citizens, especially schoolchildren, amid calls for stronger action.
The persistent insecurity in northwestern Nigeria underscores ongoing challenges in combating armed groups who exploit remote areas and strained resources. Analysts note that such strategic kidnappings draw significant attention compared to other abductions, often due to corruption and inadequate prosecution of perpetrators, fueling a cycle of violence that devastates rural communities.
As the search continues, the focus remains on locating the remaining captives and addressing the root causes of violence, including poverty and resource conflicts. This event highlights the urgent need for sustained security operations, community engagement, and international support to prevent future tragedies and restore safety in the region.
