This research estimates and analyses the effect of terrorism on school dropout rates in the municipalities of Banikoara and Karimama in the Alibori department. Using a mixed approach combining econometric modelling and field data, the study reveals that the effect of terrorist incidents and school closures is not significant. However, school closures have a delayed effect of one year on the school dropout rate. Mediation analysis reveals that this link is entirely mediated by the repetition rate, since disruption to education leads to academic failure which, combined with the financial precariousness of households, causes permanent dropout. While parents attribute the causes of school dropout to fear of attacks and the resulting insecurity, teachers and head teachers point to the financial problems of families. To reduce school dropout rates in the context of the security crisis, the study recommends the implementation of ‘assisted promotion’ measures, cash transfers to families, the establishment of joint school-community monitoring committees, and specific bonuses for teachers working in communities affected by terrorism.