In Nigeria, the nightmare of armed criminals attacking schools and kidnapping students has become a harsh reality in recent years. The infamous abduction of 276 students from a girls’ school in Chibok in 2014 sparked global outrage and the “bring back our girls” campaign. Since then, similar incidents have continued to occur, with the most recent being the abduction of 286 students and teachers from the LEA Primary School Kuriga in Kaduna State in 2024.

Research conducted in states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna has shed light on the reasons behind these attacks. Three key factors have emerged: the failure of governance, the presence of large forest zones serving as safe havens for armed groups, and the vulnerability of children. The lack of government presence in remote areas has left schools unguarded and students at risk of abduction.

The impact of these attacks on education is profound, with lives lost, fear and sexual violence increasing, and forced displacement leading to a decrease in school enrollment. School girls are particularly vulnerable to rape by bandits, resulting in physical harm, trauma, and social ostracism. The fear instilled by these attacks has led to hundreds of students dropping out of school annually, creating a recruitment pool for criminal gangs and extremist groups.

To address these challenges, strategic options for resilience include security sector reform, safe school initiatives, and social support and healthcare delivery to victims. Securing forest areas and involving communities in the Safe School Initiative are crucial steps towards creating a safe learning environment. Additionally, providing psychotherapy and healthcare support to female students who have been victims of violence is essential in preventing further harm.

By implementing these strategies and involving communities in the process, Nigeria can work towards defeating banditry and ensuring the safety and well-being of its students.