Nigeria Declares Nationwide Security Emergency as Kidnappings Increase Across the Country

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency. Hundreds of people, mostly schoolchildren, were kidnapped in a single week. He said more security personnel are being deployed to troubled areas.

Recent attacks include 24 Muslim schoolgirls, 38 worshippers, over 300 schoolchildren and teachers from a Catholic boarding school, 13 women near a farm, and 10 more women and children. Some victims escaped. Others were rescued. But 265 children and teachers from Niger State remain missing. Tinubu ordered new Armed Forces recruitment and 50,000 police officers.

Many police officers had previously protected politicians and VIPs. Rural areas remain vulnerable. Nigeria faces a 16-year jihadist insurgency in the northeast. Armed gangs operate in northwest and central states. They run camps in forests across Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger. They kidnap for ransom and launch attacks. Thousands have died.

Tinubu directed intelligence agencies to deploy forest guards to hunt terrorists. He urged mosques and churches to secure protection. Rescue operations are ongoing. Between July 2024 and June 2025, 4,722 people were kidnapped in 997 incidents. At least 762 were killed. Kidnappers demanded 48 billion naira in ransom but collected 2.57 billion naira ($1.66 million). Analysts call it a profit-driven industry.

The abductions follow US President Donald Trump’s threats of military action against Nigeria over attacks on Christians. Tinubu said all hands are needed to restore security. He vowed to continue rescue missions and reinforce law enforcement.