Fresh details have emerged on how the 24 remaining students abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, regained their freedom.
Recall that terrorists stormed the school on November 17, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before whisking away 26 schoolgirls.
Two of the students later escaped from their captors in the forests, leaving 24 still held by the insurgent group until their eventual release last Sunday.
A source who spoke to Saturday Punch on Friday said the military initially attempted to rescue the abducted girls, but the operation failed, forcing the authorities to consider negotiations with the terrorists.
A top source said, “The girls were released at the border between Gusau (Zamfara State) and Kebbi State. They were kept in a forest, from where security personnel brought them back to Kebbi.
“The security operatives had located the forest where the girls were being held. They mounted surveillance and deployed heavy personnel and a helicopter, making it impossible for the bandits to move.
“The security agencies used tactics to get them out of captivity. They engaged the bandits in communication and other professional methods. They were able to convince the bandits to release the girls.”
When asked if communication meant negotiation, the source responded, “Yes, there was negotiation. Initially, there was an exchange of gunfire between the security personnel and the bandits, but the military later changed tactics, and the schoolgirls were released unhurt. We’re lucky to have them all back.”
Naijaonpoint had earlier reported that a video was released in which a bandit leader standing among the girls claimed they were released following negotiations.
He told the girls, “You have seen how the government failed to rescue you. Your release was secured through peaceful negotiations. Our leaders were contacted, and that is how you gained your freedom.”
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