157 Days in Captivity: Borno Parents Demand Children’s Release as Army Chief Visits Maiduguri
The parents of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa community in Borno State have renewed their demands for urgent government intervention as their children mark 157 days in captivity, with no confirmed date for their return.
Their continued appeals coincide with the visit of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, to Maiduguri on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Shuaibu arrived at the headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai at Maimalari Cantonment, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to intensify operations against insurgents and secure the release of abducted Nigerians.
The children were taken from schools in Mussa, Askira-Uba Local Government Area, on May 15, 2026.
Another group of students was abducted from Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, on June 29, while sitting for their National Examinations Council examinations.
As of October 19, the Mussa children have spent 157 days in captivity, while the Lassa school attack occurred 112 days ago.
Frustrated parents had previously threatened to protest at the Presidential Villa in Abuja but postponed their plans because they could not afford transportation, accommodation and feeding.
Meanwhile, prolonged insecurity has disrupted education across affected communities, with several schools reportedly remaining closed over safety concerns.
For the families, the military leadership’s visit brings renewed expectations of decisive action.
As the children remain separated from their families and classrooms, parents continue demanding their immediate, safe return and stronger protection for schools across Borno State.
