The United States has issued a strong warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, insisting that bandits behind the recent mass abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states must be hunted down and brought to justice without delay.
The statement, released Monday through the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs on X, condemned the abductions and urged the Nigerian government to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
More than 300 students were kidnapped in separate incidents last week, creating nationwide outrage and fresh concerns over the safety of schools. In response, several state governments temporarily shut down learning centres while rescue efforts intensified. A handful of students reportedly escaped over the weekend and reunited with their families.
But the U.S. insists that mere rescue is not enough.
In its statement, the State Department said: “The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
The remarks come days after U.S. President Donald Trump openly criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of insecurity, describing the situation in Nigeria as “a disgrace” during an appearance on Fox News Radio.
“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide. And I’m really angry about it,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. may halt the financial aid it currently provides to Nigeria.
His comments also referenced an earlier warning, where he threatened potential military action if the alleged killing of Christians in the country continues unchecked.
The Nigerian government has yet to formally respond to the U.S. criticisms.
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