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After Catholic School Abductions, Nigeria’s President Urges Enhanced Security at Prayer Places, Rural Boarding Schools

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with military leaders. Credit: Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Sabrine Amboka

By Sabrine Amboka

Abuja, 28 November, 2025 / 11:41 pm (ACI Africa).

Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has urged a nationwide reassessment of boarding schools located in remote or insecure regions of the West African nation, amid escalating violent attacks and kidnappings targeting students across the country.

In a statement shared on Facebook on Thursday November 27, President Tinubu stressed that insecurity is no longer limited to educational institutions, and warned that religious spaces have also become vulnerable.

He appealed to the National Assembly to expedite efforts to review legislation enabling the creation of State police in areas most affected by violence.

“Mosques and churches should constantly seek police and other security protection when they gather for prayers, especially in vulnerable areas,” the Nigerian President directed, and went on to caution, “States should rethink establishing boarding schools in remote areas without adequate security.” 

He commended the country's security agencies for rescuing 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi and the 38 worshippers in Kwara State from abductors.

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President Tinubu said that the government would “continue to sustain the efforts to rescue the remaining students of Catholic School in Niger State and other Nigerians still being held hostage.”

“To the leadership and rank and file of our Armed Forces, I commend your courage and your sacrifice,” the Nigerian head of state said.

Describing “a challenging moment” for Nigeria and “for the military institution itself,” President Tinubu said, “I charge you to remain resolute, to restore peace across all theatres of operation, and to uphold the highest standards of discipline and integrity.”

“There must be no compromise, no collusion, and no negligence,” he added.

President Tinubu declared the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria a “national emergency”, assuring safety to civilians, especially those in war-torn States, in the West African nation that is Africa’s most populous country.

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“We are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas. The times require all hands on deck. As Nigerians, we should all get involved in securing our nation,” he said, and continued, “Today, in view of the emerging security situation, I have decided to declare a nationwide security emergency and order additional recruitment into the Armed Forces.”

The Nigerian president authorised the recruitment of an additional 20,000 officers, “bringing the total to 50,000”.

He authorised the police to utilise various National Youth Service Corps camps as training depots for new security officers. 

President Tinubu further called upon those officers being “withdrawn from VIP guard duties” to undergo crash training to debrief them and deliver more efficient police services when deployed to security-challenged areas of the country.

He also passed the directive to recruit more men to man the forests believed to be kidnappers’ hideouts, saying, “There will be no more hiding places for agents of evil.”

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Addressing longstanding tensions between herders and farming communities in various Nigerian States, President Tinubu highlighted the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development (FMLD) saying that the ministry is designed to provide lasting solutions to clashes.

He called on herder associations across Nigeria to end open grazing and surrender illegal weapons. 

“Ranching is now the path forward for sustainable livestock farming and national harmony. The Federal Government, in collaboration with the states, will work with you to solve this,” he said in his statement dated Wednesday, November 26.

President Tinubu also issued a warning to those fueling insecurity, saying, “Those who want to test our resolve should never mistake our restraint for weakness. This administration has the courage and determination to keep the country safe and ensure our citizens live in peace.”

He went on to express sympathy with families affected by recent attacks in Kebbi, Borno, Zamfara, Niger, Yobe, and Kwara States.

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The President urged Nigerian citizens not to submit to fear or despair, saying, “Let’s stand together in purpose and strength to defend our freedom and values. Our administration will continue to guarantee peaceful co-existence and preserve our union.”

He encouraged Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with security agencies in addressing violent activities in the country.

“We are in this fight together, and together we shall win. May God continue to bless Nigeria and keep our armed forces safe,” President Tinubu said in his one-page statement published on November 27.

Sabrine Amboka

Sabrine Amboka is a Kenyan journalist with a passion for Catholic church communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from St. Paul's University in Kenya.