Following a mass abduction at a school in northwestern Nigeria, all 24 schoolgirls have been rescued, according to President Bola Tinubu. The girls were taken from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi state on November 17th. While details of the rescue remain undisclosed, authorities have stated that the girls are currently in their custody. The recent incident adds to a string of abductions in Nigeria, including an attack on a Catholic school where over 300 students and staff were kidnapped.
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In Nigeria’s latest incident of mass abduction, gunmen attacked St. Mary’s School, a Catholic boarding school, seizing 215 students and 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria. The attack occurred despite prior intelligence warnings of potential threats, with authorities noting the school had reopened without government clearance. The Niger State Police Command has deployed military and security forces, and the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora reported a security staffer was injured. This follows a pattern of abductions, with schools, travelers, and remote villages frequently targeted by gangs, prompting the closure of numerous federal unity colleges and President Bola Tinubu to cancel his trip to the G20 summit.
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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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Following a Fox News segment regarding violence against Christians in Nigeria, Donald Trump posted threatening messages on Truth Social. He warned of potential U.S. military action, including halting aid and possibly deploying troops “guns-a-blazing,” if the Nigerian government didn’t act to protect Christians. Trump reportedly instructed the Pentagon to prepare for possible action, and the U.S. Africa Command personnel were recalled to discuss contingency plans. The Nigerian government expressed shock at the threats, while the White House confirmed that the Department of War was planning potential options for action.
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In a surprise statement posted online, former President Donald Trump declared his intention to potentially invade Nigeria, a key U.S. ally in Africa. This announcement followed his declaration that Nigeria may be considered a “country of particular concern” due to alleged inaction regarding attacks on Christians by Islamic extremist groups. Trump’s threat, potentially motivated by claims of religious persecution, threatens to halt aid and potentially involve military action. The current Nigerian government has responded by stating that religious tolerance is a core tenet of the nation’s identity and that Trump’s characterization of the country does not reflect reality.
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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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The Netherlands returned 119 Benin Bronzes—human and animal figures, plaques, and regalia—looted in 1897 by British forces. This significant repatriation, the largest single return to date, fulfills a Nigerian request and follows similar actions by museums in London and Rhode Island. The artifacts, primarily from Leiden’s museum, were returned in Edo State with the Oba Ewuare II calling it a “divine intervention.” The Dutch government’s commitment to returning colonial-era artifacts continues, with Nigeria actively pursuing the recovery of further looted items.
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Olabisi Onabanjo University in Nigeria is facing widespread condemnation for a policy requiring female students to undergo physical checks for bras before exams. A viral video depicts female staff touching students’ chests to enforce the dress code, which a student leader defended as maintaining a distraction-free environment, though acknowledging the need for alternative enforcement methods. Critics, including a human rights group, have condemned the practice as a violation of students’ rights and likened it to sexual assault. The university’s student union president stated the policy aims for a respectful environment, but is exploring alternative approaches to enforcing modesty guidelines.
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In Nigeria’s Borno state, drastic cuts to USAID funding have severely impacted humanitarian efforts, leading to the deaths of children suffering from malnutrition. The termination of programs providing therapeutic food, like those run by Mercy Corps, has left organizations overwhelmed and unable to meet the needs of the displaced population. This has resulted in increased mortality rates among malnourished children and a halt to essential shelter construction for those escaping conflict. The crisis extends beyond Nigeria, affecting numerous other countries and jeopardizing essential health services. Without increased funding from other sources, the consequences will be devastating.
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John Q. Hosedrinker