ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, , has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of abducted students and teachers, as education workers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) staged protests over rising cases of school kidnappings across the country.
Wike gave the assurance while responding to growing concerns from education stakeholders and civil society groups who have demanded stronger government action to address the increasing insecurity affecting schools in several states.
The protests by the NUT were triggered by recent abductions of students and teachers in different parts of Nigeria, incidents that have heightened fear among parents, disrupted academic activities, and renewed calls for urgent security reforms in the education sector.
Teachers participating in the demonstrations expressed frustration over what they described as repeated attacks on schools despite earlier government promises to improve security. They called for immediate rescue operations, increased protection of learning environments, and long-term measures to prevent further kidnappings.
Wike stated that security agencies are actively working to locate and rescue the abducted victims, adding that coordinated intelligence operations have been intensified to ensure their safe return. He urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could compromise rescue efforts.
The minister also reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Capital Territory Administration to support security agencies through logistical assistance and inter-agency collaboration, particularly in areas considered vulnerable to criminal activity.
Education stakeholders have warned that continued attacks on schools could have severe long-term consequences on Nigeria’s education system, including declining school enrollment, increased dropout rates, and psychological trauma among students and teachers.
The NUT, while continuing its protest, called on federal and state governments to prioritize the safety of schools by deploying more security personnel, improving surveillance systems, and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms.
Analysts note that school kidnappings have become a recurring security challenge in parts of the country, prompting repeated calls for a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard educational institutions.
Wike reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring that all abducted individuals are safely rescued and reunited with their families, stressing that security operations are being carried out with urgency and caution.
Meanwhile, education unions have pledged to sustain their advocacy until concrete and lasting solutions are implemented to address insecurity in the education sector.
Authorities have not disclosed full operational details of ongoing rescue efforts, citing the need to protect the integrity of security missions.
The situation continues to draw national attention as stakeholders call for stronger coordination between security agencies, state governments, and community leaders to prevent further attacks on schools.
