Armed men abducted 10 people on Wednesday in Niger State, in central-western Nigeria, the latest in a series of kidnappings that has rocked the country, where more than 350 people have been abducted in the past 10 days, police said on Thursday.

The northern and central states of the country have long been plagued by serious security problems, with criminal and jihadist groups carrying out attacks, looting and mass kidnappings, particularly in remote rural areas.

But in recent days, kidnappings have intensified, sparking fierce criticism of the Nigerian authorities after dozens of people were abducted in just a few days.

The latest abduction took place in the villages of Angwan-Kawo and Kuchipa, in Niger State, said Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesman for the state police.

"On November 26, 2025, at around 8 p.m., a report indicated that suspected armed men abducted about ten people," he said.

"Efforts are currently underway to rescue the victims," the spokesman continued.

On November 22, in the same state, more than 300 children and teachers from St. Mary's Catholic School in Papiri were abducted by armed men.

Within a few days, other states in Nigeria were also hit by kidnappings: 25 Muslim schoolgirls were abducted in Maga in Kebbi State (northwest), 38 worshippers in a church in Eruku and ten other people in Ispa in Kwara State (west), as well as 13 young girls in Borno State (northeast).

The 25 high school girls from Maga, the 38 followers of Eruku and 50 students from Papiri have regained their freedom, but dozens of people are still missing.

The identity of the attackers, whether they are jihadists or simply bandits, is currently unknown.