In the past decade, abductions have become a common occurrence in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, following the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping. This trend continued in March with the abduction of 287 students in Kaduna and 17 students in Sokoto. While some victims have been released, many remain missing, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in Nigeria. In response to these incidents, movements like #BringBackOurGirls have called for increased efforts to address the insecurity plaguing the country.
Kidnappings in Nigeria have led to a decline in school attendance, with one in three children out of school, leading to challenges for students, travelers, and businesspeople. Ransom payments have become a lucrative industry, with abductors earning millions in payments. The ransom payments have fueled the abduction crisis, with over 735 mass abductions reported since 2019. The root cause of the crisis can be traced back to the 1990s in the Niger Delta, where armed groups began abducting individuals to press for government action on oil pollution issues.
The complexity of Nigeria’s security crisis is attributed to socioeconomic factors, corruption, and a lack of coordination within the security structure. Economic hardship, rising unemployment rates, and poverty have contributed to increased criminal activities, including abductions for ransom. Centralized security control at the federal level has hindered the effectiveness of security measures, leading to calls for state policing and stronger collaboration among security agencies. Inadequate remuneration and equipment for soldiers have also impacted the military’s ability to combat insecurity.
Victims of abductions endure harsh conditions, including threats of death, lack of food, and unhygienic living conditions. Abducted girls are especially vulnerable to rape and forced marriages, resulting in psychological trauma. The fear of abduction has prompted parents in high-risk areas to keep their children out of school, despite government efforts to provide free and compulsory education. The impact of the abduction crisis extends beyond education, as illiteracy is exploited by political actors during elections, with long-term consequences for the country’s development.
The ongoing abduction crisis poses serious challenges to Nigeria’s education system, particularly in the northeast and northwest regions. The high rates of out-of-school children in these areas, compounded by the fear of abductions, could have long-term implications for the country’s development. Without addressing the education problem and the root causes of insecurity, Nigeria risks facing further radicalization and recruitment into armed groups in the future. Urgent action is needed to protect the education of vulnerable populations and address the underlying issues fueling the abduction crisis.
