PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE FREED KEBBI SCHOOLGIRLS, CHARGES SECURITY FORCES TO RESCUE OTHERS STILL IN CAPTIVITY

Abuja, Nigeria | 25 November 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State, last Monday.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, terrorists had attacked the school at dawn on 17 November, abducting the students just moments after a military detachment departed the area.

The Kebbi attack sparked a wave of copycat kidnappings in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State. However, in a major breakthrough, all 38 kidnapped victims in Eruku were rescued on Sunday. On the same day, the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) disclosed that 50 of the missing students from a Catholic school in the state had been found safe in their parents’ homes.

President Tinubu commended the security agencies for their relentless efforts in securing the freedom of the abducted victims and urged them to intensify operations to rescue those still being held captive.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. 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,” the President said.

He emphasized that the fight against kidnapping and terrorism remains a top priority and reassured citizens that his administration will continue to strengthen security measures to protect schools and communities across the country.

The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child can pursue education in a safe and secure environment.