Armed men abducted 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Science Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, on November 17, 2025. Security forces rescued all of them safely. However critics questioned the lack of arrests.
Bandits stormed the school before dawn. They kidnapped the girls from their dormitory. Additionally police reported one girl escaped during the chaos. As a result, rescuers focused on the remaining 24.
Rescue Operation Details
Authorities used non-kinetic methods to free the girls. President Bola Tinubu announced their safe return on November 25. Furthermore Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the approach avoided violence. Troops prioritized the hostages’ safety throughout the mission.
Ex-JTF Commander’s Statement
Retired Major General Anthony Atolagbe spoke out on the tactics. He stressed that saving lives comes first. “It is not in every case that you will have neutralised abductors,” he said. Atolagbe explained rescuers often face kidnappers hiding among victims.
Challenges in the Field
Kidnappers insert themselves between hostages. This limits aggressive actions. Consequently commanders allow bandits to leave for later pursuit. Atolagbe noted field decisions differ from plans.
Broader Security Measures
Nigeria faces ongoing abductions. Atolagbe supports new steps like drone surveillance and international aid. Moreover he backs withdrawing police from VIP duties to boost patrols.
Conclusion
This rescue operation has accentuated the fact that Nigeria has continued to face issues related to security. However the need to save people’s lives, as clarified by experts like Atolagbe, cannot be overemphasized.
