The United States has condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States, calling for the swift capture and prosecution of those responsible.

In a statement issued Monday via its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as crimes that must not go unpunished. It urged the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities, including Christians.

“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State,” the statement read.

“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. Nigerians must be able to live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”

The abduction in Kebbi occurred on November 17, when gunmen stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 25 students. Four days later, armed men raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting over 300 students and 12 teachers. Fifty students have since escaped and reunited with their families.

The incidents represent a surge in school-targeted attacks in Nigeria, recalling the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of 276 girls by Boko Haram.