Is Nigeria’s mass kidnapping crisis spreading?

Following the large-scale kidnapping on 15 May in Oyo ​state, where dozens of students and a teacher were abducted by gunmen wearing military uniforms near Yawota, yet another incident took place in Zamfara state in Nigeria’s North West region. On 7 June, at least 39 civilians were kidnapped from the Maradun Local Government Area by armed bandits. The group of civilians was going to a meeting in the forest to discuss improving relations with a local bandit group under the leadership of Jimo Smally when the bandits instead abducted the entire group for ransom. 

Dr. Ladd Serwat, Senior Africa Analyst at ACLED, said: 

“What's especially concerning about these latest abductions in Oyo state is their geographical shift. Oyo state, in Nigeria's southwest, has not traditionally been associated with the large-scale kidnappings seen in the northeast and northwest. The key question now is whether these incidents are isolated attacks or evidence of a broader shift into the southern states of Nigeria.

“While ACLED data show that Oyo accounts for only around 1% of all political violence recorded in Nigeria so far in 2026 — broadly consistent with its share in previous years — there are rising concerns that the threat is spreading into new parts of the country. This geographic expansion unfolds alongside a concentrated crisis in the North West region, where ACLED has already recorded over 400 kidnappings so far this year.

“The spillover effect mimics the devastating consequences on education seen elsewhere, notably in the English-speaking regions of neighboring Cameroon. When schools become targets of armed groups for political and economic gain, the damage extends far beyond the immediate victims. It forces mass displacement, pressures families to keep children out of school, and erodes public confidence in the state’s ability to provide basic security."

For more information, or to arrange an interview, contact the ACLED Press Office.