militant commander linked to recent abductions in northern Nigeria has released a new video threatening further attacks, including against senior government officials. The video, obtained by Reporters, shows the armed figure dressed in what resembles a Nigerian military jacket while speaking about previous kidnappings in Kebbi and Niger states.

The individual, whose identity has not been confirmed, boasted about the group’s involvement in the abduction of schoolchildren and claimed that security agencies’ recent arrests had not deterred them. He accused the Nigerian government of failing to protect citizens and made additional threats targeting security personnel and political leaders.

Referencing his attire, he said the jacket belonged to a Nigerian soldier and issued further warnings. He also urged Nigerians to seek spiritual protection, asserting that the government could not guarantee safety. The video ends with the militant addressing his followers on social media.

The threats come amid a recent surge in school attacks. On November 21, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School in the Papiri area of Agwara Local Government, Niger State, abducting an unspecified number of students and teachers. Community members who visited the school after the incident described the operation—carried out between 2am and 3am—as highly coordinated.

Local officials, including Ahmed Abdullahi Rofia, Head of Disaster and Relief for Agwara LGA, and Bello Gidi, media aide to the council chairman, confirmed the attack. Gidi told SaharaReporters that early reports suggested that more than 100 students and teachers were taken. The school is co-educational, hosting both male and female students.

The incident occurred just five days after another violent attack in Kebbi State. Armed men stormed Maga Comprehensive Girls’ Secondary School, where they abducted around 25 female students and killed one staff member. A school guard was also injured. According to witnesses, the gunmen entered the premises shortly before morning activities began and opened fire, causing widespread panic.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and efforts to rescue the abducted victims continue.