Tinubu Meets Service Chiefs Over Rising School Abductions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday held a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s service chiefs at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, as the nation reels from back-to-back mass abductions in northern states.

A Presidency source confirmed the meeting to Channels Television, noting that although details remain undisclosed, the briefing is believed to focus on the escalating security crisis and the wave of school kidnappings.

Top Security Chiefs in Attendance

Those present at the meeting included:

• Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) — Gen. Olufemi Oluyode
• Chief of Army Staff — Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu
• Chief of Naval Staff — Rear Admiral Idi Abbas
• Chief of Air Staff — Air Vice Marshal Kelvin Aneke
• Chief of Defence Intelligence — Maj. Gen. E.A.P. Undiendeye
• Inspector General of Police — Kayode Egbetokun
• DSS Director-General — Tosin Ajayi

The President had earlier vowed that he would “not relent until Nigerians are protected.”

Back-to-Back School Attacks Shock the Nation

Kebbi School Abduction (Maga Incident)

On November 17, gunmen invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State.

• Several students were kidnapped.
• The Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was shot and killed while shielding students.
• The attackers operated unchallenged, leaving the community in deep fear.

Niger State Mass Kidnapping

Barely days later, armed men struck St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School, Papiri, Niger State.

• The attackers arrived on over 60 motorcycles, supported by a van.
• They shot the gatekeeper and abducted 315 students from the Catholic-run school.
• According to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), 50 students escaped between Friday and Saturday.
• CAN Chairman for Niger State, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, confirmed the escape and ongoing headcounts.

Police spokespersons say military and tactical units are combing nearby forests in search of the students.

National and International Implications

Tinubu Cancels G20 Trip

In response to the crisis, President Tinubu shelved his planned attendance at the G20 Summit in South Africa. Vice President Kashim Shettima is attending on his behalf.

International Spotlight

The kidnappings come weeks after former U.S. President Donald Trump made controversial remarks about “targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria” — comments the Nigerian government strongly disputes, stating that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of armed groups.

Church Attack & Huge Ransom Demand

Also this week:

• Armed men attacked a church in western Nigeria during a live-streamed service, killing two worshippers and abducting dozens.
• In another Kwara State incident, kidnappers holding 38 church members are demanding ?100 million per person, according to church officials.