The Nigerian government has shut down one of its colleges in the capital, Abuja, over fears of attack by armed gangs.

In a statement on Monday, the education ministry said the closure of the Federal Government College in the city's suburb of Kwali became necessary over insecurity in nearby villages.

It said a security breach in Sheda and Lambata villages threatened the school - after gunmen attacked Sheda on Sunday morning, kidnapping a resident.

The Federal Government College is located in Sheda.

The education minister directed the college's management to make arrangements for final-year students to conclude their terminal examinations.

He also asked principals of government schools across the country to liaise with security agencies to ensure adequate security for their students.

Nigeria is grappling with rising attacks by gunmen, many of them targeting individuals, priests and students.

In 2021, armed gangs known locally as bandits, carried out abductions in at least 10 schools in north-western Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kebbi states as well as Niger state in central Nigeria.