Tinubu Declares Security Emergency After Mass Catholic School Abductions

On November 21, 2025, gunmen abducted 303 children and 12 staff members from St. Mary's Catholic boarding school in Papiri, Niger State. While 50 students escaped shortly after the raid, over 250 remain in captivity. This event was part of a wider surge of violence in November, including the kidnapping of 25 students in Kebbi State and 38 worshippers in Kwara State. The crisis caused severe community trauma, including the reported death of a parent from a heart attack.

In response, Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26. He ordered the recruitment of up to 50,000 new police officers, the redeployment of 11,000 officers from VIP protection to frontline duties, and the deployment of specialized forest guards via the Department of State Services. Tinubu also directed the Nigerian Air Force to maintain 24-hour aerial surveillance over forests in Niger, Kebbi, and Kwara states. To address systemic issues, he urged the National Assembly to legalize state police forces and promoted a shift from open grazing to ranching.

The crisis sparked international tension. U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the violence as a "genocide" against Christians and threatened military intervention. The Nigerian government refuted these claims, stating that victims of all faiths are targeted. To stabilize relations, Tinubu established a U.S.-Nigeria Joint Working Group on security and nominated a new ambassador to the United States. Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has assured families that the remaining hostages are alive and will be reunited with their families soon.