London, December 01, 2025
Over 300 schoolchildren and teachers were abducted on November 21, 2025, in a mass kidnapping at St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria. Armed gunmen seized 303 students and 12 teachers, disrupting education and escalating insecurity in the region.
Details of the Kidnapping
The attackers struck at night, targeting St Mary’s School in Niger State’s Papiri village. The abduction involved 303 students, some as young as five, alongside 12 teachers. This has been recorded as one of Nigeria’s largest school kidnappings in recent history, intensifying concerns about safety in the north-central region.
Security and Community Impact
In the aftermath, local residents remain too fearful to speak out, citing threats of reprisal amid ongoing violence. Schools across Niger State and neighboring regions have been closed indefinitely to protect students and educators. This climate of fear has severely disrupted educational access, threatening the future stability and development of affected communities.
Government Response and Criticism
Nigeria’s federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, has pledged swift action to rescue the hostages and hold perpetrators accountable. Security agencies have been ordered to prioritize recovery efforts. Despite these promises, human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have criticized the government for failing to implement effective preventative security measures despite repeated mass abductions in recent years.
Broader Context of Insurgency
This abduction is part of a broader wave of violence linked to insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIS factions operating in Nigeria’s northwest and Sahel region. Since mid-November 2025, at least 402 individuals have been kidnapped across several northern states. These groups exacerbate regional instability, complicating efforts to ensure safety and deliver humanitarian aid.
Wider Ramifications
The ongoing militant activity threatens not only security but also the continuity of education for thousands in northern Nigeria. With schools closed indefinitely, children face interrupted learning, and communities risk long-term socio-economic setbacks. Additionally, escalating violence contributes to worsening food insecurity, with humanitarian agencies warning of increased hunger in 2026.
The kidnapping underscores the urgent need for stronger security frameworks and regional cooperation to address terrorism and protect vulnerable populations. Without coordinated efforts, such crises are likely to persist, prolonging instability across the Sahel and Nigeria’s northern territories.