Key Points

• Northern governors meet in Kaduna on November 29 to coordinate a response to escalating kidnappings.
• Southwest governors back state police and create a regional security fund.
• Multiple states close schools while security agencies expand patrols and intelligence sharing.

The country’s kidnapping crisis has pushed the 19 Northern governors into an emergency meeting scheduled for November 29 in Kaduna.

The move comes as more states shut schools and rush to contain rising attacks targeting students and teachers.

The upcoming meeting follows a security session held on Monday by South West governors in Ibadan. The regional leaders backed the creation of state police and pushed the Federal Government to secure forest zones that have become hideouts for armed groups.

Peter Ahemba, Senior Special Assistant to Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, confirmed the Kaduna gathering during a conversation with our correspondent in Lafia.

He explained that the governors want to agree on concrete steps for tackling kidnappings, banditry and other threats sweeping across the North.

Recent attacks have increased pressure on state authorities. Armed men stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, last week.

At least twenty four schoolgirls were abducted and the vice principal was killed. Days later, gunmen struck St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.

More than three hundred students and staff were taken, although fifty students eventually escaped.

Ahemba noted that Governor Sule returned from the G20 Summit in South Africa earlier than planned to address the security situation.

He held another emergency meeting on Monday to strengthen surveillance and support security agencies. According to him, Nasarawa remains on high alert.

South West governors endorse state police

At the Ibadan meeting, Governors Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti attended in person. Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was represented by his deputy.

Sanwo Olu read the communique. The forum backed state police, noting that the region can no longer delay stronger local security structures.

The governors also urged residents to stay united, stressing the need to preserve religious tolerance.

The forum praised President Bola Tinubu’s efforts against insecurity and acknowledged recent federal interventions in Kebbi, Kwara and Niger.

They approved the creation of a South West Security Fund under the DAWN Commission and announced a digital intelligence sharing platform for the six states.

The platform will handle threat alerts, incident logs, cargo information and coordinated responses.

The governors also asked the Federal Government to deploy forest guards across the region. They insisted that state governments would supply personnel for the operation.

The communique raised other issues. It flagged concerns about uncontrolled interstate migration and requested tighter border checks and improved identification systems.

It also warned about rising illegal mining and urged a tougher licensing regime and stricter enforcement.

Plateau prepares new security plan

In Plateau State, Governor Caleb Mutfwang is preparing a new security strategy. His Special Adviser on Policy and Governance, Yiljap Abraham, disclosed that security chiefs have been meeting with the governor in recent days. Basic schools remain closed following recent attacks.

Abraham explained that Plateau is working with neighbouring states and the Federal Government to stabilise the region.

Kebbi reviews response after school abduction

Kebbi State has been under intense scrutiny after the Maga school attack. Governor Nasir Idris hosted House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Abbas condemned the attack and urged the state to honour the slain vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku.

Abbas announced N20 million for Makuku’s family and N10 million for the family of the school watchman who also lost his life. He assured the families that the House will push for the safe return of the abducted students.

Governor Idris expressed gratitude for the visit but insisted he wants answers from security agencies about the gaps that allowed the attack. He also agreed to rename the school in honour of Makuku.

States tighten security as schools close

The Bauchi State Government has shut all schools. Primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, including private and federal schools, have been ordered to suspend activities.

The Ministry of Education noted that the decision followed serious security concerns. Parents were urged not to panic.

The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, has also halted academic activities. An internal memo informed staff and students that further updates will be released later.

In Gombe State, the Police Command has increased patrols and surveillance around schools.

Commissioner of Police Bello Yahaya met with executives of the state’s principals’ association to review security coverage. The command stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing and community policing.

ASUU and teachers warn of wider shutdown

University lecturers and teachers are raising concerns about the pace of government response.

ASUU President Chris Piwuna told participants at the Nigeria Labour Congress Harmattan School that the education system is under attack from armed groups and from government neglect.

The National Union of Teachers President Titus Amba warned that teachers may withdraw from schools located in high risk areas.

Amnesty International warns of long term impact

Amnesty International Nigeria believes rising school abductions could push thousands of children out of the classroom.

Country Director Isa Sanusi explained on Channels Television that the fear of kidnapping will worsen the challenge of keeping children in school, especially in rural communities.

Sanusi warned that the crisis could deprive an entire generation of education.

NOA raises alarm over national identity crisis

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency, Lanre Issa Onilu, linked the country’s security issues to a lack of shared national identity.

He made the remarks during the inauguration of a committee working with the National Universities Commission to embed national values in university curricula.

Christians hold prayers across Borno and Plateau

In Borno, Christians gathered at First Baptist Church in Maiduguri for a two hour prayer session. Governor Babagana Zulum had urged residents of all faiths to engage in prayer and fasting for peace.

In Plateau, the Christian Association of Nigeria announced plans for a five day crusade in Jos starting December 17 to promote peace and unity.