_By Adesakin Adefemi
November 23, 2025_
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a searing condemnation of the escalating wave of “barbaric” attacks on educational institutions, demanding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu immediately sack the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) for “gross failure” to protect students, calling it a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.
In a statement delivered with “a heavy heart and deep frustration,” NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja cited two jarring incidents: terrorists stormed Government Secondary School, Maga (Kebbi State), killing a vice principal and abducting students _minutes after military personnel reportedly withdrew_—raising alarming questions about internal compromise. Hours later, 215 students were violently taken from St. Mary Private Primary and Secondary School, Niger State, heightening fears across communities.
NANS drew a painful parallel to past tragedies the 2014 Chibok abductions, 2018 Dapchi girls, 2021 Afaka college raid, accusing authorities of repeating a “shameful cycle of grief without justice, without decisive reforms.” The much-touted _Safe School Initiative_, despite “enormous funding,” is deemed “grossly ineffective,” failing its core duty to safeguard learning spaces.
“Nigeria’s internal security structure has collapsed,” Oladoja declared, targeting the IGP for a “broad security breakdown” emboldening terrorists, and the NSCDC chief for overseeing a “grossly inefficient” Safe Schools program. “We must stop rewarding incompetence in matters of life and national stability,” he stressed.
Citing the Kebbi attack’s timing, NANS suspects possible sabotage and demanded a high-level probe by the National Security Adviser, Defence Minister, and military chiefs into: (1) internal collaboration, (2) coordination failures, (3) reasons for troop withdrawals before strikes, and (4) accountability for exposing students.
NANS gave Tinubu 14 days to: (1) Secure release of all hostages in Kebbi, Niger, and elsewhere; (2) Present a clear, verifiable national school security plan; (3) Restructure the Safe School Initiative. Failure will trigger “nationwide civil disobedience”: shutdowns of highways, airports, peaceful mass protests. “The era of silence and tolerance is over.”
“No student is a bargaining chip,” Oladoja declared. #JusticeForStudents trends as families mourn, communities freeze, and social panic spreads. “We stand united, resolute students’ lives matter.”
Police confirmed arrests of two suspects (Michael Abbey alias “Emir”, Oniye Oke), recovered ₦479,100 of the ₦4 million loot,
vowing to curb violence ahead of festivities. NANS retorted: “Actions, not words. Forensics must hunt accomplices.”
With Northwest schools shutting, parents fleeing, the economic toll bites—disrupted exams, shattered futures. “Our children aren’t collateral,” a mother pleaded. Experts warn: “Reform now, or chaos wins. Nigeria’s global image bleeds.”
The Kebbi Governor publicly lamented the “disturbing circumstance,” echoing fears of lapses. NANS insists: “No more excuses. Security is an option.”
The government has not issued an official response. NANS remains steadfast: “We urge immediate action. Dialogue is possible, but we will escalate peacefully if needed. The safety of Nigerian students is non-negotiable.”
