Over 600 Students, Teachers Kidnapped Under Tinubu Despite Safe Schools Programme

No fewer than 603 students and teachers have been abducted in seven major school attacks across Nigeria between March 2024 and May 2026, despite the Federal Government’s N144.8 billion Safe Schools Initiative aimed at protecting educational institutions from armed attacks.

According to a report by Punch, the victims were kidnapped in coordinated raids on schools across Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kogi, Borno and Oyo states, raising concerns about the effectiveness of measures introduced to safeguard schools under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Seven Major School Attacks Leave Over 600 Victims

The reported abductions began on March 7, 2024, when armed men attacked LEA Primary and Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, kidnapping 137 pupils.

Two days later, another 15 students were abducted from a Tsangaya school in Gidan Bakuso, Sokoto State.

Punch reported that the attacks continued in November 2025 when 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School in Kebbi State. Four days later, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers before they were later rescued by security operatives.

In 2026, 23 pupils were abducted from Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage and School in Kogi State, while 42 students were kidnapped following an attack on a school in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The latest incident occurred in Oyo State on May 15, when armed men attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted 39 students and seven teachers.

The figures cover only major mass abductions and do not include isolated incidents reported across primary, secondary and tertiary institutions during the period.

Stakeholders Fault Implementation of Safe Schools Initiative

The Safe Schools Initiative was launched after the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction to strengthen security in schools and communities vulnerable to attacks.

According to Punch, the programme was designed to run between 2023 and 2026 with an estimated investment of N144.8 billion and a target of covering at least 48 schools in each of 18 high-risk states.

However, stakeholders argue that poor implementation, inadequate funding and weak security infrastructure have limited its impact.

National President of the Parent-Teacher Association, Haruna Danjuma, accused governments of failing to prioritise the safety of pupils and teachers.

He lamented that many public schools still lack perimeter fencing, surveillance systems and adequate security personnel despite repeated attacks.

Similarly, National President of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Audu Amba, warned that schools have increasingly become targets for kidnappers and bandits.

According to him, attacks on educational institutions continue to threaten learning activities and place teachers and students at constant risk.

Labour, Rights Groups Demand Stronger Security Measures

The growing insecurity has attracted reactions from labour groups, human rights organisations and security experts.

Amnesty International said implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative has been slowed by bureaucratic challenges and allegations of corruption, leaving many schools exposed to attacks.

The Nigeria Labour Congress backed nationwide protests organised by teachers over school insecurity and called for the immediate rescue of abducted pupils, teachers and education workers still in captivity.

Security analyst Chidi Omeje described the figures as alarming, warning that mass school kidnappings have evolved from isolated incidents into a recurring national security challenge.

While some states, including Benue and Katsina, have introduced measures such as school fencing, surveillance systems and school safety policies, stakeholders insist that stronger collaboration between federal and state authorities is needed to protect schools.

With fresh abductions recorded in Oyo and Borno states in recent weeks, pressure is mounting on government at all levels to accelerate the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative and prevent further attacks on educational institutions across the country.

Also Read: CAN Declares Three-Day Mourning, Demands Security Emergency

Read original report on PUNCH

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.