Gunmen Attack Orphanage in North-Central Nigeria, Abducting 23 Children
An orphanage in Kaduna State, north-central Nigeria, was attacked by armed gunmen on Monday, with 23 children taken hostage. Local authorities said security forces have safely rescued 15 of the abducted children in a subsequent operation, while search efforts for the remaining eight continue.
The Attack
Armed assailants arrived at the orphanage in Kaduna State in the early hours of Monday morning, forcibly entering the facility and abducting 23 children. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on multiple motorcycles, carrying automatic weapons, and remained on the premises for approximately 15 minutes before fleeing.
A Kaduna State police spokesperson said security forces launched an immediate pursuit operation following the attack. “We have identified the perpetrators and are coordinating with the military to conduct a comprehensive search and rescue operation,” the spokesperson told reporters at a press briefing.
15 Children Rescued
In the latest development, security forces located 15 of the abducted children at a temporary holding site outside Kaduna. All rescued children are reported to be in good physical condition and have been transferred to a secure location for medical examinations and psychological assessment.
The Nigerian federal government issued a statement condemning the attack and pledging to increase investment in security infrastructure across the northern region. The statement emphasized that attacks targeting children and vulnerable populations are “unacceptable” and vowed that all participants would be held accountable under the law.
Deteriorating Security in Northern Nigeria
The attack underscores the worsening security situation in northern Nigeria. In recent years, Kaduna State and surrounding areas have been repeatedly targeted by armed kidnapping gangs, with schools, churches, villages, and major transport routes all facing threats. According to UNICEF, more than 2,000 children have been abducted in various kidnapping incidents across northern Nigeria between 2025 and 2026.
Kaduna State lies at the heart of Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, an area long affected by the overlapping threats of armed criminal gangs, remnants of extremist organizations, and local militias. Despite repeated deployments of military forces by the federal government, the security situation remains precarious.
International Response
The United Nations office in Nigeria strongly condemned the attack, calling on Nigerian authorities to take all necessary measures to protect children. A UNICEF spokesperson said, “Every attack on children is a challenge to human conscience. The international community must support the Nigerian government in strengthening its child protection systems.”
Nigeria’s Presidential Office has ordered a comprehensive review of security measures at all schools and orphanages in the northern region, requiring state governments to submit security improvement plans within two weeks.