Security agencies have freed the 24 female students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Security sources confirmed the development to TheCable on Tuesday, though details of the operation remain limited. Officials plan to make a full announcement later tonight.
Armed bandits attacked the school on November 17, killing a staff member and injuring a security guard before abducting the students. In response, President Bola Tinubu directed Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, to relocate to Kebbi and coordinate security efforts to rescue the girls.
No Ransom Paid for Release
Governor Abubakar Idris stated that neither the state nor federal government paid a ransom for the girls. He emphasized, “No ransom was paid. The Kebbi State Government did not pay a kobo, and neither did the Federal Government. The security agencies achieved the rescue through their efforts alone.”
The governor added that authorities will return the students to their parents on Wednesday. He also thanked President Tinubu for his concern and for directing the security agencies to secure the girls’ release.
Tinubu Applauds Security Agencies
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, announced the release. According to the statement, the president applauded the security agencies for their efforts in freeing all the abducted students.
President Tinubu urged security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue any remaining students still in captivity. He said, “I am relieved that all 24 girls have returned safely. Now, we must urgently deploy more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to prevent further kidnappings. My government will provide all necessary assistance.”
