The Federal Government on Tuesday announced the successful rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The girls, who spent nine days in captivity, were rescued unhurt during a coordinated joint operation in Makwa Forest, Niger State, involving soldiers, police operatives, DSS personnel, civil defence officers, vigilantes and local hunters.
“No Ransom Paid” — Matawalle
Addressing journalists at the Presidential Lodge in Birnin Kebbi, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said the rescue operation followed a fierce exchange of gunfire with the abductors deep inside the forest.
He maintained that no ransom was paid, stressing that security agencies acted strictly in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to secure the girls’ freedom without concessions.
In a post on 𝕏, Matawalle 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 students would undergo medical evaluation before being reunited with their families.
Kebbi Governor Hails ‘Courageous and Well-Coordinated Operation’
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who appeared alongside the minister, expressed relief that the girls were found alive and unharmed.
He praised the Nigerian military, police, DSS, NSCDC and local volunteers, describing the effort as a “courageous, well-coordinated and patriotic operation.”
Controversy as Video Circulates Claiming Negotiation Took Place
Shortly after the government’s announcement, a new video surfaced online, sparking debate over whether the rescue was purely tactical or involved behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The footage, shared by @AM_Saleeem on 𝕏, appears to show armed bandits speaking calmly with the schoolgirls shortly before their release.
In the clip, one of the abductors is heard boasting that:
“The government had to negotiate because a forceful rescue was impossible.”
The video has prompted mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some users questioning the official narrative, while others caution that such videos can be staged or manipulated, and that security operations often involve complexities not immediately disclosed to the public.
The Federal Government has yet to issue a statement addressing the video or the claims made in it.
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