Heightened insecurity across northern Nigeria has led to the indefinite closure of at least 10 higher education institutions in Kebbi and Bauchi states. The shutdowns follow a surge in violent incidents and mass abductions that have intensified concerns about the safety of students and staff.
Media reports indicate that 300 to 400 schoolchildren were kidnapped in November alone, with cases recorded across 19 of Nigeria’s 36 states. Although the majority of incidents involve primary and secondary schools, tertiary students have been targeted in attacks earlier this year, raising alarm about the vulnerability of university campuses.
These developments add to already troubling national figures. Data released by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission in July showed that 2,266 people were killed and 857 abducted in the first half of 2025. Security analysts note that kidnapping for ransom has become a dominant driver of such attacks, with educational institutions viewed as high-impact targets.
Author
