A northern advocacy organisation, the Northern Security and Civic Protection Forum (NSCPF), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and the Nigerian Armed Forces for the rapid rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by its president, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Ma’aruf, the group praised the federal government for what it described as an unusually decisive and well-coordinated response.
Naija News reports that the schoolgirls, abducted from their hostels on 17 November, were rescued on 25 November after what authorities described as sustained military pressure that forced the abductors to abandon them in the forest.
“Tinubu’s Direct Order Changed the Tempo” — NSCPF
The NSCPF attributed the success of the operation to President Tinubu’s directive ordering Matawalle to immediately relocate to Kebbi and take personal charge of rescue efforts.
“From the moment President Tinubu ordered the minister of state for defence to move to Kebbi and assume personal oversight of operations, the tempo changed,” the group said.
According to the statement, Matawalle’s presence in the field reinvigorated security units across the northwest.
It added that the minister brought with him deep familiarity with the region’s terrain and security dynamics from his years as Zamfara State governor.
“Multi-Agency Assault Left Bandits With No Escape Route”
Al-Ma’aruf said the rescue was achieved through a coordinated ground-and-air assault that denied the bandits safe passage.
“What followed was an intense, closely coordinated multi-agency assault that left the bandits with no safe corridor to escape with the girls. The sustained bombardments over several days created pressure they could not withstand.”
The group described the operation as a major departure from what it termed the “slow and reactive security posture” of past administrations.
Military Demonstrated Capability Under Firm Political Will
The NSCPF said the operation demonstrated that Nigeria’s armed forces possess the capacity to dismantle criminal networks when backed by strong political direction.
“For four straight days, the military maintained air and ground pressure on the kidnappers’ hideouts. What the armed forces have done is not just a rescue; it is a statement of authority.”
The group further applauded President Tinubu for drawing a clear red line on the abduction of schoolchildren, arguing that swift action helped avert a prolonged national trauma.
Call for Sustained Offensive Against Banditry
The NSCPF urged the federal government to intensify operations against armed groups across Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, and Kaduna States, stressing that the Maga rescue should serve as a springboard for continued offensives.
It also called for comprehensive trauma care and reintegration support for the rescued students.
“With this rescue, the government has restored hope. Now it must consolidate by ensuring no child in northern Nigeria ever has to face such terror again,” the statement added.
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