The 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State have been rescued, security sources confirmed on Tuesday.

The announcement brings relief after days of anxiety following the dawn attack of November 17, when bandits stormed the school, killed an official, injured a guard, and whisked away 25 female students.

Two of the girls had earlier escaped across farmland as they were being led into the bush, leaving 23 still in captivity.

Their names were released on November 19 by Hussaini Aliyu, chairman of Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, who organized the list according to class categories.

Coordinated Security Efforts

Following the abduction, Kebbi’s commissioner of police, Bello Sani, deployed additional tactical units alongside military personnel and vigilante groups to comb suspected escape routes and surrounding forests.

Chief of Army Staff Waidi Shaibu directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to leave no stone unturned in the search‑and‑rescue mission.

President Bola Tinubu also ordered Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, to relocate to Kebbi to monitor operations. On Tuesday evening, Tinubu expressed happiness that all 24 girls had been accounted for.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for,” he said in a statement issued by his adviser Bayo Onanuga.

The president applauded security agents for their efforts and urged them to intensify operations to rescue other victims still in captivity.

“Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” he declared.

Copycat Kidnappings Raise Alarm

The Kebbi incident triggered copycat kidnappings in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State.

All 38 victims abducted in Eruku were freed on Sunday, while the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria reported that 50 missing students at a Catholic school were later found safe in their parents’ homes.

The spate of abductions in recent weeks has been embarrassing, deepening a sense of siege among the citizens. Schools have been vulnerable targets for these insurgents despite repeated government assurances.

As the rescued Kebbi girls reunite with their families, parents around the country will be hoping this will be the last of the ugly incident to plague one of Nigeria’s most vulnerable demographic – innocent boys and girls eager to acquire the vital education to secure their future.

Atolagbe: Rescue Missions Prioritize Lives, Not Always Arrests

Reacting to the rescue of the Kebbi girls former Joint Task Force commander, Major General Anthony Atolagbe (Rtd.), clarified that rescue operations do not always end with kidnappers being arrested or neutralized, stressing that the priority is saving lives.

His comments follow questions over the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State without reported arrests. Some in the media suggested that the kidnappers may have been paid to release the girls.

Videos also emerged where the kidnappers were seen touting the victims that the government was unable to forcefully rescue them.

Atolagbe explained that rescue missions differ from combat operations, noting that kidnappers often embed themselves among hostages, limiting troops’ options.

He said field commanders must decide in real time whether to prioritize safe release over confrontation.

Citing global examples, he recalled a 2002 Russian hostage rescue where many civilians died due to tactics used, underscoring the risks of direct assaults.

On recent kidnappings in Kwara, Atolagbe described the attacks as opportunistic and highlighted Nigeria’s lack of technology to monitor vulnerable areas.

He welcomed President Tinubu’s directive to redeploy police from VIP duties, freeing manpower for broader security.

He also backed plans for a 24‑hour security cordon in Kwara and Niger forests, enhanced Air Force surveillance, and international intelligence support, which he said could be a “game‑changer” in tackling banditry.

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