Nigeria

Mass kidnappings for ransom have become common in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs target schools and rural communities, often overwhelming local security forces.

Friday's incident in Niger state was the largest mass kidnapping of school children since the March 2024 abduction of students in northern Kaduna state.

Mass kidnapping at a school in Nigeria sees 315 abducted as the search widens, raising fears of security and increasing attacks on schools.

Here’s what to know about the recent wave of kidnappings and deadly attacks in Nigeria, who is behind them, and how the government is responding to the worsening security crisis.

At least 227 students and teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary's Catholic School in Nigeria, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria.

"The Niger State Government has received with deep sadness the disturbing news of the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary's School," said the Niger State government.

Nigerian court convicts separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu on terrorism charges, raising fears of renewed social unrest.

The Starships singer was credited by Amb. Mike Waltz to be “the greatest female recording artist” and a “principled individual who refuses to remain silent in the face of injustice.”

A Nigerian military spokesperson described the claim as "fake news" and urged the public to disregard unverified claims circulating online.

The assailants, armed with rifles and reportedly using coordinated tactics, stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town around 1 a.m. local time.