Nigeria’s security chief has met President Bola Tinubu amid mounting concerns over a sharp rise in violent attacks and mass abductions across the country.
Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), held a late-night briefing with the president at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
The president’s media adviser, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the meeting and shared an image of the encounter on his official X account.
The discussion came only hours after the federal government ordered the temporary closure of 47 Unity Colleges nationwide. In a circular issued on Friday, officials said the decision was taken in response to escalating security threats and to “prevent any breaches” in schools.
Nigeria has witnessed a series of high-profile attacks on learning institutions in just one week.
On 17 November, armed men stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, abducting about 25 students and killing the vice-principal.
Four days later, on 21 November, gunmen raided St Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri community of Niger State’s Agwara district, kidnapping more than 300 students and teachers, according to church authorities.
The surge in kidnappings has renewed fears over the safety of students, especially in rural and vulnerable communities.
The insecurity has also affected military personnel. On 18 November, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for an ambush in Borno State that left Brigadier General Musa Uba dead. The Nigerian Army initially denied the incident before ISWAP released footage asserting responsibility.
In light of the worsening security situation, President Tinubu cancelled a planned visit to South Africa and instructed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to represent him at the G20 Summit instead.
The government has not yet announced further measures, but the DSS briefing is seen as part of a broader effort to contain the recent escalation in violence.
