According to a report by Punch Newspapers on Sunday, November 23, 2025, former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, has expressed concern over the recent surge in school kidnappings in parts of northern Nigeria, suggesting that armed groups may be abducting schoolchildren as a form of protection.
He made the remarks on Saturday at an event in Abuja held to celebrate the appointment of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, as chairman of the World Customs Organisation.
The event also doubled as a fundraising dinner for the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations’ national secretariat.
Gana, who commended Adeniyi for his new global role, noted that the sudden rise in school abductions appeared unusual and concerning.
He pointed out that the timing and manner of these incidents could indicate that the armed groups were responding to growing fears of being targeted by foreign powers.
According to him, tensions had intensified following recent statements made by United States President Donald Trump, which may have heightened the anxieties of the groups operating in various remote areas.
The former minister explained that the pattern of the attacks, particularly the locations selected by the armed groups, suggested a calculated movement into deeper forest territories.
He noted that these shifts indicated a form of retreat, as the kidnappers appeared to be seeking refuge in isolated zones where they believe they might avoid surveillance or direct strikes.
Gana stated that the groups may be taking children to use them as protection as they move through difficult terrain.
He observed that the kidnappers may believe that holding captives reduces the likelihood of being directly attacked, especially from the air.
He described this tactic as a worrying development that places innocent schoolchildren at greater risk and complicates ongoing security operations.
He said, “They fear that they are going to be targeted from the air and therefore felt the need to grab a few people to be human shields.” View, More,
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