The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a strong reprimand to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government following the recent mass abductions of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
The warning, conveyed on Monday through the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs on X, condemned the kidnappings and urged Nigerian authorities to take far more decisive action to curb the rising wave of insecurity targeting schools.
More than 300 students were kidnapped in separate attacks last week, sparking outrage nationwide and reigniting concerns over the safety of educational institutions. Several affected states have since shut down schools temporarily as rescue operations continue. A number of students reportedly escaped over the weekend and were reunited with their families.
However, the U.S. government insists that recovery efforts alone are insufficient.
In its statement, the State Department said:
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
The remarks follow President Trump’s recent comments on Fox News Radio, where he harshly criticised the Tinubu administration’s handling of insecurity, describing the situation in Nigeria as “a disgrace.”
“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide. And I’m really angry about it,” Trump said, suggesting that the U.S. may suspend financial aid to Nigeria.
He also referenced earlier warnings in which he threatened possible military action should the alleged killings of Christians in the country continue.
As of Monday evening, the Nigerian government had yet to issue an official response to the U.S. criticisms.
