Mass School Kidnapping in Nigeria Sees Over 300 Students Taken

Gunmen abducted more than 300 students in northern Nigeria. The attack targeted a Catholic school in Niger state. It happened in November 2025. This is one of the largest mass school kidnappings in the country’s recent history.

According to the Christian Association of Nigeria, 303 pupils and 12 staff were taken. At least 50 children managed to escape their captors. The incident highlights a persistent security crisis.

A Recurring Pattern of Violence

This event follows a grim pattern. Just days earlier, attackers struck a government girls’ boarding school in Kebbi state. They killed the vice principal and kidnapped 25 students.

The problem spans years. In March 2024, gunmen seized over 200 students and staff in Kaduna state. They were rescued after two weeks. The government denied paying any ransom for their release.

Historical Context and National Impact

Mass abductions have been a brutal feature of Nigeria’s conflict landscape for years. A similar tragedy unfolded in February 2021. Then, gunmen kidnapped at least 279 girls from a government school in Zamfara state.

The impact on communities is devastating. Families are left in anguish. Education is disrupted. These attacks create a climate of fear that discourages school attendance, particularly in vulnerable regions.

The recent mass kidnapping of over 300 students underscores a severe and ongoing security challenge in Nigeria. The nation continues to grapple with the threat to its youth and their fundamental right to education.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: How many students were kidnapped in the November 2025 Nigeria school attack?

Gunmen abducted 303 pupils from a Catholic school in Niger state. Twelve staff members were also taken. At least 50 children have since escaped.

Q2: Where did the latest mass school kidnapping in Nigeria occur?

The abduction took place at a school in Niger state, located in northern Nigeria. This region has been repeatedly targeted by armed groups.

Q3: Has there been a similar school kidnapping in Nigeria before?

Yes, mass school kidnappings are a recurring issue. In February 2021, 279 girls were abducted from a school in Zamfara state and later released.

Q4: What is the main impact of these school kidnappings?

These attacks cause immense trauma for victims and their families. They also severely disrupt the education system and create widespread fear.

Q5: Which group is often responsible for these kidnappings?

Various armed groups operate in the region. The Islamist insurgent group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for past mass abductions, including the 2020 Katsina kidnapping.