Gunmen attacked a high school in northwestern Nigeria before dawn on Monday, abducting 25 schoolgirls, killing one staff member, and injuring another, according to police reports. The attack occurred at a boarding school in Kebbi state, marking the latest in a series of student abductions by armed bandits who often demand ransom. These bandits, distinct from religious militant groups, have targeted schools for years, with this recent incident prompting a coordinated search and rescue operation. Since 2014, when Boko Haram infamously abducted students from Chibok, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped in Nigeria, highlighting the ongoing security crisis in the region.
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A recent report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) reveals that over 7,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria during the first 220 days of 2025. The report also indicates at least 12 million Christians have been displaced since 2009 due to violence primarily by Islamic extremist groups. These groups, including Boko Haram, Fulani extremists, and ISWAP, target Christian communities through various attacks, with the Middle Belt region being particularly affected. Intersociety has urged international bodies to intervene, highlighting the severity of the human rights crisis and the need for protection and aid.
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Foreign mercenaries infiltrating Nigeria’s northeast have dramatically increased the sophistication and coordination of terrorist groups like ISWAP and Boko Haram, leading to heightened casualties and equipment losses for Nigerian forces. This escalation includes the use of drones, advanced IEDs, and enhanced tactical training provided by these mercenaries. The situation demands a robust, coordinated response involving increased intelligence gathering, improved surveillance, and strengthened cross-border collaboration. Ultimately, the conflict is framed as a fight against Nigeria itself, not just the military, underscoring the need for national unity and support for troops operating under challenging conditions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker