Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, have been rescued, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.
Details of the operation that led to their release remain unclear as of press time, but multiple security officials familiar with the situation said an official announcement is expected later tonight.
The students were kidnapped on November 17 when armed bandits attacked the school, killing an official and injuring a security guard before abducting 25 female students.
Two of the girls had earlier escaped, according to a BBC report quoting Hussaini Aliyu, an official of Danko/Wasagu LGA. The students reportedly fled while being marched into the bush and made their way to safety across nearby farmlands.
On November 19, Aliyu, who chairs the Danko/Wasagu local government council, released the names of the 25 abducted schoolgirls as authorities intensified search efforts.
The rescue of the remaining 24 girls marks a major breakthrough for security agencies and brings relief to families and community members who have been anxiously awaiting updates. Authorities are expected to provide further details once an official statement is issued.