Amnesty International has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is in danger of “losing a generation” as the government continues to fail in preventing the escalating wave of school abductions across the northern region.

The alarm follows recent mass kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states and the subsequent indefinite closure of 20,468 schools across seven northern states—a development the organisation says could have long-term, devastating consequences for millions of children.

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A Decade of Abductions Without Accountability

In a statement, Amnesty International condemned the Nigerian authorities’ “persistent failure” to protect schoolchildren and teachers, noting that at least 15 mass school abductions have occurred since the 2014 Chibok kidnapping.

According to the organisation:

“The authorities’ repeated failure to address school abductions is putting the education of a generation of children at risk.”

Amnesty said the government has consistently failed to ensure justice or transparency after each attack, contributing to fears that covert ransom payments remain part of the pattern.

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‘An Assault on Childhood’ — Amnesty Nigeria

Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, criticised the government’s response, describing the situation as:

“An assault on childhood and an utter failure to guarantee the safety and security of school children and teachers.”

Sanusi stressed that insecurity extends beyond schools, as hundreds of communities have suffered years of violent attacks.

He warned that the government is failing in both its constitutional duties and its international human rights obligations, calling this “a serious breach” of the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

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Children Forced Out of School, Girls Hit the Hardest

Amnesty highlighted how fear of kidnapping has forced millions of children—especially girls—out of school. Many victims are never released, and schools shut down after attacks are often never reopened.

The organisation noted that thousands of children in affected states are now working to support their families instead of receiving an education.

“Even before this current wave, Nigeria was already failing to uphold the right to education,” Amnesty said.

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Recent Attacks Show Security Lapses Continue

Citing recent incidents, the group said security lapses remain a major factor enabling mass abductions:

• The kidnapping of over 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State on November 21 occurred despite disputed claims of prior security warnings.
• The abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State on November 17 happened despite intelligence reports that the school was at risk.
• Amnesty noted that its investigations into the Chibok and Dapchi abductions also showed major failures in security preparedness.

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Seven States Shut Schools, But Long-Term Damage Looms

The states that have closed thousands of schools include:

Bauchi, Benue, Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Yobe, and Katsina.

While these closures may offer temporary protection, Amnesty warned they could have lifelong consequences:

“Schools closed in 2021 after mass abductions were never reopened, nor were children provided with alternative education.”

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Nigeria’s Legal Obligations and Amnesty’s Demands

Amnesty reminded the government of its commitments under global and regional treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).

The organisation urged authorities to:

• Invest substantially more in education
• Remove socioeconomic and security barriers that prevent children from attending school
• End violent attacks on rural communities
• Conduct transparent, independent investigations into all school abductions since 2014
• Bring perpetrators to justice
• Provide remedies and support for victims and affected families
• Use “maximum available resources” to ensure children remain in school

Sanusi stressed that without urgent and meaningful action, Nigeria risks irreparable harm to its youth and its future.