FG Closes 47 Unity Schools After Kebbi, Niger abductions
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 47 federal unity colleges across the country following mass abductions of students and pupils in Kebbi and Niger States in the last few days.
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 47 federal unity colleges across the country following mass abductions of students and pupils in Kebbi and Niger States in the last few days.
The closure contained in a circular dated November 21, 2025, and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, in Abuja.
The circular asked principals of the affected schools, especially in the northern states to “suspend academic activities and release students with immediate effect.”
This development followed the renewed attacks on educational institutions in the North-west and North-central regions.
On Monday, armed bandits invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, abducting at least 25 schoolgirls, after killing the Vice Principal of the.school, Hassan Makuku. Makuku was shot dead following attempts to protect the students.
Later on Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Mission school in Agwara, Niger State, and abducted 227 persons including students and staff. The school authorities confirmed the of the even as security agencies are yet to release official figures.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State government on Friday, also, ordered the closure of all public boarding schools across the state and ordered students to go home.
The state had experienced repeated mass kidnappings from schools, including the 2020 Kankara abduction involving over 300 boys.
Nigeria has recorded multiple violent incidents in the last seven days, further heightening national anxiety and prompting criticism of the government’s security strategy.
The abduction and execution of the Commanding Officer, Brigadier General Musa Uba, by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, who released the footage on Monday triggered condemnations of the President Bola Tinubu - led administrator by Nigerians.
The closure contained in a circular dated November 21, 2025, and signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, in Abuja.
The circular asked principals of the affected schools, especially in the northern states to “suspend academic activities and release students with immediate effect.”
This development followed the renewed attacks on educational institutions in the North-west and North-central regions.
On Monday, armed bandits invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, abducting at least 25 schoolgirls, after killing the Vice Principal of the.school, Hassan Makuku. Makuku was shot dead following attempts to protect the students.
Later on Friday, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Catholic Mission school in Agwara, Niger State, and abducted 227 persons including students and staff. The school authorities confirmed the of the even as security agencies are yet to release official figures.
Meanwhile, the Katsina State government on Friday, also, ordered the closure of all public boarding schools across the state and ordered students to go home.
The state had experienced repeated mass kidnappings from schools, including the 2020 Kankara abduction involving over 300 boys.
Nigeria has recorded multiple violent incidents in the last seven days, further heightening national anxiety and prompting criticism of the government’s security strategy.
The abduction and execution of the Commanding Officer, Brigadier General Musa Uba, by the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, who released the footage on Monday triggered condemnations of the President Bola Tinubu - led administrator by Nigerians.
Late Gen UBA was captured after an ambush near Damboa, Borno State.
Also in Kwara State, on Tuesday, gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku area of the state, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others during a thanksgiving service. The incident was partially captured in a livestream.
The shutdown of 47 Unity Colleges signifies the government’s acknowledgement of its inability to guarantee the safety of students in vulnerable areas.
Also in Kwara State, on Tuesday, gunmen attacked a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku area of the state, killing at least two worshippers and abducting several others during a thanksgiving service. The incident was partially captured in a livestream.
The shutdown of 47 Unity Colleges signifies the government’s acknowledgement of its inability to guarantee the safety of students in vulnerable areas.
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