The Nigeria Chapter of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC-RFT) has issued a scathing condemnation of the escalating wave of school abductions across the country, describing the attacks as “coordinated, deliberate, and possibly politically motivated.”
In a strongly worded press statement released today, the commission highlighted that three separate schools were targeted within a single week, calling the timing “no mere coincidence.” Of particular concern are persistent reports—echoed by the Kebbi State Governor—that security details were withdrawn from vulnerable schools shortly before the raids took place.
“This pattern raises grave questions about intelligence failures, security lapses, and potential internal facilitation,” said Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria. “We cannot rule out a hidden political agenda being executed under the cover of banditry and terrorism.”
The commission accused the abductions of directly violating both international and domestic law. It cited Article 3 (right to life and security), Article 25(2) (special protection of childhood), and Article 26 (right to education) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Domestically, it pointed to Sections 14(2)(b), 33, 34, and 18 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate the government to prioritise citizens’ security, welfare, and education.
“Turning schools into hunting grounds renders the right to education meaningless,” the statement read. “These are not random crimes; they appear scripted and orchestrated to destabilise communities and embarrass the government.”
The IHRC-RFT warned that Nigeria may be witnessing “security theatre”—a situation where bold, repeated attacks suggest possible compromise within the security architecture itself.
“Nigerians deserve the truth,” the commission declared. “No political, economic, religious, or ethnic cause justifies using innocent children as bargaining chips.”
The human rights body issued four immediate demands:
A coordinated, time-bound national rescue operation involving the President, National Security Adviser, Chief of Defence Staff, and all intelligence agencies to recover every abducted child alive.
The establishment of an independent, non-partisan panel to investigate the withdrawal of school security details, identify who authorised it, and uncover any political motivations.
Full prosecution of any individual—military, security, political, or civilian—found to have aided or benefited from the abductions.
Nationwide deployment of specially trained School Protection Units, CCTV systems, perimeter fencing, and community-based early-warning networks.
Also see: FG Debunks Rumors of Nationwide School Shutdown
Describing the country as being at a “critical tipping point,” the IHRC-RFT declared: “It is unacceptable that our children—Nigeria’s future—are being hunted like prey. Enough is enough.”
The commission stood in solidarity with affected families and warned that further inaction would amount to complicity.
“We demand action, not promises. We demand protection, not excuses. We demand the safe return of every abducted child—NOW,” the statement concluded.
As of today, hundreds of schoolchildren remain in captivity following the latest wave of attacks in northern Nigeria, with no official timeline yet provided for their rescue.
