President expresses relief as freed girls reunite with authorities; vows increased security in vulnerable areas
Abuja, November 25, 2025: President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, on November 17.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President expressed relief that the girls, who were kidnapped shortly after a military detachment left the school premises, had been safely reunited with the authorities.
Tinubu noted that the Kebbi abduction appeared to have triggered similar incidents in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State.
According to reports, all 38 victims abducted in Eruku were released on Sunday, while the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State confirmed that 50 missing students from a Catholic school in the state had also returned home.
Commending the security agencies for their sustained efforts, the President urged them to intensify operations to rescue those still in captivity.
“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must, as a matter of urgency, put more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping,” Tinubu said.
“My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” he vowed.
