Nigerian security forces and local hunters have expanded their search operations to rescue dozens of schoolgirls abducted during a predawn attack in Kebbi State. Authorities say teams are sweeping nearby forestsareas frequently used as hideouts by armed gangs, while additional units have been deployed along major routes leading out of Magama town. The kidnapping occurred early Monday when gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School. According to police, the attackers scaled the perimeter fence, exchanged fire with officers stationed on the grounds, and fatally shot a staff member before escaping with the girls.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attack bears the hallmarks of the armed bandit networks that have plagued northwestern Nigeria for years. These groups, largely composed of former herders, have escalated violence following long-standing clashes with farming communities over land and dwindling resources. Kidnappings for ransom have become one of their primary tactics, with schools being frequent targets. The abduction has reignited public outrage over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis. In Lagos, citizens voiced frustration and disbelief. Ogundinmu Peter, an IT expert, condemned the government’s response. “I would say they don’t really know what they are doing in the government. They should resign and leave,” he said.
Marketing specialist Bright Godwin expressed similar disappointment. “The goal of every government is to protect its citizens. These children are the future, and if such a thing happens without concrete action, it shows the government is not competent,” he said. Northern Nigeria has suffered repeated mass kidnappings since Boko Haram abducted 276 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, a tragedy that drew global attention. Since then, more than 1,500 students have been taken across the region, with criminal gangs and jihadist factions increasingly targeting schools to secure ransoms or media coverage. Kebbi borders two major hot zones—Zamfara and Sokoto, where several armed groups remain deeply entrenched. Amid mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu canceled his planned trip to the G20 summit in Johannesburg, pledging instead to oversee intensified efforts to locate and rescue the 24 schoolgirls abducted earlier this week. The search operation remains ongoing, with security forces racing against time to bring the girls home safely.
