Recent Kidnappings Highlight Growing Security Crisis in Nigeria

Thu Dec 04 2025 21:34:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

At least 20 individuals, including a pastor and a bride, were abducted in two attacks across Nigeria, raising alarms about the ongoing wave of kidnappings in the region.

In a series of disturbing incidents, gunmen have abducted at least 20 people, including a pastor and a new bride, in Nigeria. These attacks have occurred against a backdrop of increasing abductions of worshippers and schoolchildren, as authorities face mounting pressure to enhance security measures. The situation reflects a deeper security crisis affecting rural communities, with the potential involvement of organized criminal gangs and jihadist groups.

Recent Kidnappings Highlight Growing Security Crisis in Nigeria

In Nigeria, a recent wave of kidnappings has placed communities on high alert as gunmen abducted at least 20 individuals, including a pastor and a bride. The attacks took place in two separate incidents, one in Kogi state and the other in Sokoto state, exemplifying the escalating crisis surrounding security in the region.

The Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Kogi state was stormed by armed assailants on Sunday, who fired shots to disperse the congregants before seizing the pastor, his wife, and several parishioners. The night before, in Sokoto, a bride preparing for her wedding was kidnapped along with her bridesmaids, a baby and the baby's mother.

Targeting of schools and places of worship has recently intensified, alarming local residents and emphasizing the vulnerability of rural communities. Reports suggest that roughly 250 schoolchildren and 12 teachers remain unaccounted for following a major attack earlier this month, although some individuals from previous kidnappings have been released.

The motives behind these kidnappings remain uncertain; while many analysts attribute the crimes to criminal gangs seeking ransom, government officials have raised concerns about potential jihadist involvement.

Kingsley Fanwo, a spokesperson for the Kogi state government, confirmed the church incident but could not verify the number of victims. Authorities are currently working to locate those responsible and improve the security situation. Despite laws prohibiting ransom payments, the illegal funding of these abductions continues to be a pressing issue.

The plight of those abducted has garnered international attention, particularly after U.S. President Trump's remarks regarding the killing of Christians in Nigeria. Officials emphasize that victims of violence and abduction include individuals of all faiths, challenging the narrative that Christians alone are targeted.

This ongoing crisis poses serious questions about the efficacy of local and national security measures and calls for increased attention to the safety of at-risk communities throughout Nigeria.