UNICEF Condemns Mass Abductions of Students and Teachers in Northern Nigeria

UNICEF reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to ensure that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in safety—free from the threat of violence.

A new wave of school abductions in northern Nigeria has triggered widespread alarm, as dozens of children and teachers were reportedly kidnapped from a secondary school in Niger State early Friday morning. The attack occurred just days after 25 girls were abducted from a boarding school in Kebbi State, highlighting a troubling resurgence of targeted violence against students and educational institutions.

The incidents mark another painful chapter in Nigeria’s long struggle with insecurity, particularly in regions where armed groups have increasingly turned to kidnapping for ransom, intimidation, and destabilization. The repeated targeting of schools has severely undermined educational access, community safety, and confidence in state protection.

UNICEF Calls for Immediate Release and Protection of Children

UNICEF condemned the abductions in the strongest terms, urging the perpetrators to release all abducted students and educators without delay. “Children should never be the target of violence, and schools must be safe places where girls and boys can learn without fear,” said Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “The abduction of students and their teachers is a brutal and grave violation of children’s rights and a shocking assault on their safety and education.”

Fagninou stressed that families and communities must be able to send their children to school knowing they will return safely. “Nigeria’s children need protection,” he added. “The immediate and safe release of every abducted child and educator is urgent and essential.”

A Disturbing Pattern of Violence Against Schools

Nigeria has experienced repeated school attacks over the past decade, including the infamous 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok and subsequent kidnappings in Dapchi, Kagara, Jangebe, Tegina, and others. While government operations have recovered many victims and reduced the frequency of large-scale school attacks, recent incidents illustrate that the threat remains active.

Armed groups operating in the northwest and north-central regions often target schools due to their symbolic value and the vulnerability of children. These attacks traumatize communities, deprive children of education, and place enormous pressure on families.

Safe Schools Declaration: A Commitment Needing Fuller Implementation

Nigeria endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015—a global commitment to safeguard educational institutions from attacks, military use, and occupation. The declaration outlines steps for governments to strengthen security protocols, improve crisis responses, reinforce educational infrastructure, and protect the civilian nature of schools during conflict.

UNICEF urged authorities to reinforce and fully implement these commitments. Ensuring safe learning environments is central to preventing further attacks and restoring trust in the education system.

UNICEF’s Work on Strengthening Child Protection and Safe Learning

UNICEF continues to work with the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, community leaders, and local partners to enhance child protection systems. This work includes:

• Training teachers, school personnel, and community volunteers in risk awareness and child safeguarding

• Supporting early warning networks to detect threats

• Promoting inclusive and protective learning environments

• Assisting with psychosocial support for affected children

• Encouraging community-based initiatives to strengthen safety around schools

Strengthening these protective structures is considered crucial to preventing future violations and helping children recover from the fear and trauma caused by such attacks.

The Path Forward

The latest abductions underscore the urgent need for coordinated national and regional action to protect children from violence. As Nigeria continues to face complex security challenges, safeguarding schools must remain a central priority.

UNICEF reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to ensure that every child can learn, grow, and thrive in safety—free from the threat of violence. For affected families and communities, the immediate concern remains the same: the safe return of every abducted child and teacher.