The recent abductions of schoolgirls in Kebbi, Niger and Borno State, have brought to the forefront the urgent and worsening insecurity in Northern Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing the closure of Federal Unity Schools nationwide, while states such as Katsina, Niger, and Plateau have shut their schools. This situation threatens the educational foundation of millions of children.
These attacks are not only a security catastrophe; they carry dangerous international implication. The abduction of Christian schoolgirls in Niger State, for example, risk feeding a global narrative especially the U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial comments that Christians are being systematically targeted in Nigeria. This narrative is inaccurate. The truth is that insecurity affects children of all faiths across the North, Muslims and Christians alike and Nigeria must address this challenge collectively.
But beyond condemning the criminals, the Northern Nigeria must also confront a difficult reality: we cannot continue depending entirely on Abuja. Other regions have taken their destinies into their own hands — the South-West established Amotekun, the South-East mobilised community security, and the South-South reinforced its local structures. The North must do the same.
Northern Nigeria has produced the highest number of retired military generals, ex-police officers, intelligence experts, technocrats, wealthy business leaders, and respected traditional rulers. It is time for these assets to be mobilized. The region must take its destiny into its own hands.
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State Governments, traditional institutions, community leaders, and Northern elites must collaborate to strengthen community policing, improved intelligence gathering, secure school environments, coordinated local vigilante structures, and united leadership across political, traditional, and religious lines.
The Federal Government must continue its rescue efforts and accelerate the Safe Schools Programme. But long-term peace will only come when Northern leaders and communities work hand-in-hand to defend their land and protect their children.
Let us stand together — not as Muslims or Christians, not as politicians or tribes — but as people united by a shared destiny. Our children deserve to go to school without fear. Our region deserves peace. And our nation deserves stability.
This is the time to act with sincerity, courage, and unity.
By Comrade Mustapha Nuhu Wali, mni
Veteran Union Leader & Development Advocate
mustiwalimni@gmail.com