The United Nations has expressed alarm over the growing wave of kidnappings across the north-central states, urging the Tinubu administration to intensify lawful actions to curb the crisis and prosecute those behind the attacks.
Speaking at a briefing in Geneva on Tuesday, Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, said the organisation is deeply disturbed by the frequency and scale of recent abductions.
“We are shocked by the sharp rise in mass kidnappings in north-central Nigeria,” Kheetan said.
“We call on authorities at every level to take all lawful steps necessary to stop these horrific attacks and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.”
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His remarks follow a renewed public outcry after hundreds of people, including nearly 350 schoolchildren, were kidnapped within just a few days, highlighting the worsening security situation in parts of the country.
Kheetan noted that at least 402 individuals, most of them students, have been abducted in Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno States since November 17.
He stated that only 88 victims have so far regained freedom, either through rescue operations or escape.
The UN urged the federal government to prioritise the safe release of all those still held captive and to strengthen measures to prevent further kidnappings.
“They must also conduct prompt, impartial, and effective investigations into these incidents and bring those responsible to justice,” he added.
