By Clarion Newschannel Correspondent, Abuja – December 15, 2025
Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent insecurity, marked by rampant kidnappings, banditry, and targeted attacks on vulnerable communities, including Christians in northern and central regions. Recent waves of mass abductions, particularly of schoolchildren and worshippers, have intensified public outrage and drawn international scrutiny, including from the United States over alleged persecution of religious minorities.
In November 2025 alone, gunmen abducted over 300 students and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State in one of the country’s largest school kidnappings since the 2014 Chibok incident. Separate attacks included the abduction of dozens from schools in Kebbi State and a deadly raid on a church in Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and others taken. While security forces have secured the release of around 100 students from the Niger State incident as of early December, over 150 remain in captivity. Analysts attribute most of these crimes to criminal gangs seeking ransom, though jihadist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to operate in the northeast.
These incidents have fueled accusations of targeted violence against Christians, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom violations. Nigerian officials and experts maintain that insecurity affects both Muslims and Christians, driven primarily by economic motives rather than solely religious persecution.
Amid this backdrop, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed plans for a nationwide protest on December 17, 2025, to demand urgent government action on deteriorating security. The union, in a communiqué following its National Executive Council meeting earlier this month, highlighted recent school abductions, including one in Kebbi State where security personnel were reportedly withdrawn shortly before the attack. The NLC also cited broader issues like economic hardship, with a World Bank report estimating 139 million Nigerians in poverty, alongside concerns over tertiary education and health sector strikes. NLC President Joe Ajaero has insisted there is “no going back” on the protest, describing insecurity as damaging to the economy and investor confidence.
The crisis has also prompted changes at the top of Nigeria’s defence leadership. On December 1, 2025, former Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar resigned citing health reasons. President Bola Tinubu accepted the resignation and subsequently nominated retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff known for his operational experience, as the new Minister of Defence. The nomination awaits Senate confirmation, with the President expressing confidence in Musa’s ability to bolster the country’s security framework.
Separately, opposition leaders, including figures from the PDP, Labour Party, and ADC, have accused the Tinubu administration of weaponising anti-graft agencies like the EFCC to intimidate political rivals and weaken multiparty democracy. In a joint statement, they alleged selective prosecutions aimed at forcing defections to the ruling APC. The Presidency has rejected these claims as baseless, insisting agencies operate independently and that no one is above the law.
As Nigerians await the December 17 protest and further government responses, calls mount for enhanced school protection, intelligence-driven operations, and accountability to stem the tide of violence disrupting lives across the nation.
Nigeria’s Security Crisis Deepens: Labour Congress Plans Nationwide Protest Amid Leadership Shake-Up and Political Tensions
