“We are shocked at the recent surge in mass abductions in north-central Nigeria,” Kheetan said, stressing the urgent need for Nigerian authorities at all levels to act decisively. “We urge the authorities to take all lawful measures to ensure such vile attacks are halted and to hold those responsible to account.”
The call comes amid reports of hundreds of Nigerians, including nearly 350 schoolchildren, being abducted within just a few days, reigniting national and international concerns over the country’s ongoing security crisis. According to Kheetan, at least 402 people have been taken in states including Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno since November 17, but only 88 have been freed or managed to escape. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe return of those still in captivity and preventing further abductions, urging authorities to conduct prompt, impartial, and effective investigations.
The wave of kidnappings has prompted widespread anxiety, leading to the closure of schools in several regions. Nigeria’s history of mass abductions is long and troubling. More than a decade ago, Islamist militants kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok in northeast Borno State, a tragedy that drew global attention. Since then, criminal gangs seeking ransom payments have continued to target schools and communities, exploiting weaknesses in security infrastructure.
Borno State, in particular, remains a hotspot due to a persistent Islamist insurgency that has claimed over 40,000 lives since 2009, making it a focal point for ongoing violence and instability. The UN’s statement serves as a stern reminder that Nigeria must intensify efforts to protect its citizens, safeguard children, and hold perpetrators accountable before the situation spirals further out of control.