Amnesty International has raised concerns over the continued abduction of 42 schoolchildren from Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, who have now spent 144 days in captivity.
The children were reportedly abducted by gunmen on May 15, 2026, with no safe return confirmed more than four months later.
Amnesty International said the prolonged captivity highlights the worsening security situation affecting children and education across Northern Nigeria.
The organisation said the abduction was not an isolated incident, noting that more people had been kidnapped in the region since the children were taken.
It warned that attacks, abductions and displacement were disrupting education, forcing schools to close and leaving many children exposed to trauma and uncertainty.
Amnesty also said some children had stopped attending school after experiencing or witnessing violent attacks, warning that prolonged insecurity could deny an entire generation access to education and future opportunities.
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The organisation called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to rescue all children still being held captive and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are identified and prosecuted.
It also urged authorities to strengthen security around schools and create conditions that would allow children to return to classrooms without fear of abduction or attacks.
For the families of the 42 children, their immediate concern remains the safe return of their loved ones after more than four months in captivity.
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