Amnesty International has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in northern and southern Nigeria, warning that the escalating attacks on schools are compounding the country’s education crisis.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation described the incidents as “alarming,” noting that schools, children and entire communities were targeted within days.
According to Amnesty, no fewer than 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, in separate attacks across Borno State and Oyo State.
The group said 42 pupils were kidnapped during attacks on schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State on May 13 and 14. It added that another 40 children were abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools include Primary and Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDSS) Mussa, Local Authority School in Askira Uba, as well as Ahoro-Esinele and Community Grammar School in Oriire LGA.
Amnesty called on Nigerian authorities to take “immediate and decisive action” to investigate the incidents, ensure the safe rescue of the victims and strengthen measures to protect schools nationwide.
“The Nigerian authorities must take urgent steps to rescue the victims safely and adopt concrete measures to end the persistent targeting of schools and children,” the organisation said.
It noted that some of the victims were as young as two years old, warning that repeated attacks on educational institutions are forcing millions of children out of school.
“Many abducted children and teachers are never released by their abductors. The constant threat of abduction is compelling children to abandon education,” the statement added.
The organisation also accused authorities of failing to adequately investigate previous abductions and prosecute perpetrators, leaving victims and their families without justice or effective remedies.
Amnesty maintained that the inability of authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens amounts to a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, urging stronger accountability and protection of vulnerable communities.
