A terrorist group responsible for several violent attacks across northern Nigeria has released a new video claiming responsibility for the recent abductions of students in Kebbi and Niger States. The armed group also threatened to launch more attacks, this time targeting soldiers and political office holders.
The video, which began circulating on social media platforms on Monday, shows an armed man surrounded by several gunmen, all carrying rifles. Speaking in Hausa, the spokesman boasted that the group would “continue their operations” and promised fresh attacks on military personnel, government officials and politicians. He claimed that the Nigerian government could not stop them.
The footage has triggered widespread fear and condemnation, especially because it comes at a time when insecurity in the North has again become a major national concern.
The video was released just days after two high-profile abductions that shocked the nation.
In Kebbi State, 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga. The attack took place in the early hours of the morning, with gunmen reportedly arriving on motorcycles and overpowering local security before whisking the girls away into the bush.
Barely days later, another attack occurred at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State. In that incident, over 300 students and 12 teachers were abducted by heavily armed bandits who stormed the school and marched the victims into the nearby forest. The attack is one of the largest mass kidnappings recorded in Niger State in recent years.
These incidents have intensified public concern about the resurgence of banditry, especially the targeting of schools—an issue Nigeria has struggled with since the abduction of over 200 girls from Chibok, Borno State, in 2014.
The new video immediately drew attention on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp. Many citizens questioned how a group of criminals could release such a bold statement without fear of arrest.
Some Nigerians expressed anger that terrorists now operate with increasing confidence, recording videos openly and spreading them online. Others said the video is a sign that the insecurity crisis is far from over and may even be worsening.
Over the past several years, armed groups in the North West and North Central have increasingly used videos to showcase their firepower, issue threats, and pressure the government during ransom negotiations. Bandit leaders such as Bello Turji and Dogo Gide have previously appeared in similar videos.
The new video follows that pattern, with the gunmen displaying their weapons and speaking confidently, as if to demonstrate that they operate without fear of state security forces.
Communities across the North have been suffering from kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling, and displacement caused by bandit groups. States like Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, and Sokoto have been particularly affected.
Families in rural areas often live-in constant fear, avoiding farms and markets due to frequent attacks. Many schools in remote areas have been shut down entirely because bandits target them for mass abductions.
Parents of abducted students in Niger and Kebbi States are still waiting for news about rescue efforts or negotiations. In both states, local communities have held prayers and small protests, calling on authorities to act quickly.
As of the time of writing, federal authorities had not issued an official response to the video. However, military sources have previously stated that such videos should not be seen as a sign of strength but rather as a tactic used to gain attention.
Security agencies are often cautious about reacting publicly to such recordings in order not to draw more attention to them.
Still, Nigerians continue to urge the government to increase airstrikes, deploy more troops, and adopt technology such as drones to monitor forests where bandits hide.
Banditry in northern Nigeria has grown due to several factors, including:
Porous borders that allow weapons and foreign fighters to enter
Weak security presence in rural areas
Large forests that provide hideouts
Poverty and unemployment, which create fertile ground for recruitment
Political interference, with some local power struggles enabling armed groups
Because of these challenges, the conflict has evolved from simple cattle rustling to full-blown terrorism involving ransom kidnappings and targeted attacks on schools, churches, and communities.
Nigeria remains one of the countries most affected by attacks on educational institutions. Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP began the trend, and bandits have now adopted similar tactics.
Across Kebbi and Niger States, families are anxiously waiting for updates. Many have turned to community prayers in mosques and churches, hoping for the safe return of their children.
In Niger State especially, the number of victims—over 300 students—has left the entire state in shock. Local leaders have called for calm but have also urged the federal government to act with urgency.
The new bandit video has highlighted the seriousness of Nigeria’s insecurity challenge. As the government continues efforts to restore peace, citizens say they want stronger action, better intelligence, and a faster response to kidnappings.
