The 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State, have been rescued unhurt after nine days in captivity, the Federal Government announced on Tuesday.
A combined team of soldiers, police operatives, civil defence personnel, vigilantes and local hunters reportedly rescued the girls during a coordinated operation in Makwa Forest, Niger State.
Addressing journalists at the Presidential Lodge, Birnin Kebbi, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the rescue followed a fierce gun battle in the forest.
He insisted that no ransom was paid, stressing that the operation strictly followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive.
In a post on 𝕏 Matawalle also wrote, “Our tactical team has successfully rescued the abducted students of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. This mission was carried out in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ensure their safe return. I commend our security and intelligence forces for their swift response, dedication and professionalism.”
He added that the girls would undergo medical examinations before being reunited with their families.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who appeared alongside Matawalle, expressed relief that the girls were found alive and unharmed.
He thanked the military, DSS, NSCDC, the police and local volunteers for what he described as a “courageous and well-coordinated operation”.
Controversy Emerges As Video Shows Bandits Claiming Negotiation
However, a fresh video circulating online has raised questions about the government’s claim that no deal was struck with the abductors.
The footage, shared by @AM_Saleeem on 𝕏, appears to show armed bandits speaking calmly with the schoolgirls shortly before their release.
In the video, one of the abductors boasts that the government had to negotiate because a forceful rescue was impossible.
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