Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing wave of violent attacks this week, with coordinated kidnappings, school invasions, and assaults on communities across the northern region.
The incidents, which unfolded in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara States, have intensified public fear and renewed calls for urgent, decisive security action from the federal government.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the week’s major attacks.
1. Niger State: Students and Staff Abducted from St. Mary’s School
In the early hours of Friday morning, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School—a private Catholic boarding institution in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The attackers arrived around 2:00 a.m., using motorbikes and vans to breach the school’s premises while students were asleep.
They kidnapped an unknown number of pupils, teachers, and non-academic staff. One security guard was shot during the invasion.
Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the attack and said a joint team of police and military personnel had been deployed to the surrounding forests to rescue the victims.
The Niger State Government later revealed that the school had reopened its boarding facilities despite official orders to remain closed following intelligence warnings of imminent attacks across Niger North Senatorial District.
2. Kebbi State: Over 20 Schoolgirls Kidnapped in Wasagu
Just days before the Niger State attack, gunmen abducted more than 20 schoolgirls in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The young girls were reportedly taken while returning from school-related activities, marking one of the largest school abductions in the state this year.
Authorities say the attackers operated with heavy firepower and used the region’s difficult terrain to escape.
The incident immediately sparked nationwide concern, particularly given the frequent mass school kidnappings in the North in recent years.
Security forces are still attempting to locate the students.
3. Kebbi State: Over 20 Schoolgirls Kidnapped in Wasagu
In Kwara State, gunmen stormed a religious gathering and abducted multiple worshippers in the outskirts of Ilorin.
The attackers reportedly cordoned off the area, fired shots into the air, and forced the victims into nearby bushes.
The Kwara State Government responded swiftly by shutting down schools in the affected areas as a precautionary measure.
This attack added to the growing fears of spillover violence from neighbouring northern states.
4. Nasarawa State: Students Kidnapped from Peter’s Foundation Secondary School
In a fresh attack on Thursday night, armed men stormed Peter’s Foundation Secondary School in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Authorities say several students were taken, but exact numbers have not yet been confirmed. The attack triggered panic in the community, leading to an immediate shutdown of schools in the area.
Parents rushed to the school after hearing gunshots, while joint security patrols began combing nearby forests. The incident marks the third school-related abduction within the same week.
Borno State: Boko Haram Ambush Kills Eight CJTF Members
A deadly Boko Haram ambush on Thursday added to the week’s violence.
The attack occurred around 10:00 a.m. in Warabe community, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, when members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) went out to collect firewood.
According to sources, insurgents arrived on at least five motorcycles carrying over 20 fighters armed with machine guns, while others advanced on foot. The CJTF members returned fire but reportedly ran out of ammunition, allowing the militants to overpower and execute eight volunteers. Three others are missing and feared abducted.
The insurgents stole the victims’ weapons and phones, using the phones to lure additional hunters under the guise of requesting reinforcement. By the time backup arrived, the attackers had vanished into the surrounding forest.
Warabe, which has no permanent military presence, relies heavily on CJTF volunteers and local hunters for protection.