At least 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School Maga, abducted by bandits last week, have been rescued and officially presented to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor.
The handover occurred on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi and was carried out by Theatre Commander, Major General W. B. Idris, acting on directives from the Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle.
According to Major General Idris, the military responded promptly after the incident. “Immediately after the tragic abduction, troops were mobilised and launched an intensive pursuit of the bandits. Magiga Forest was identified as the location where the victims were being held. The area was cordoned off, and all entry and exit points blocked by soldiers,” he explained.
He further stated, “On the 19th of this month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to ensure the full return of all abducted schoolgirls. I am happy to present the 24 recovered victims today. They are all here, hale and hearty, no deaths, no injuries.” He advised that the girls should undergo comprehensive medical evaluations.
The commander also conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Staff for the cooperation received from the Kebbi State Government, the Minister of State for Defence, and other security agencies involved in the operation.
Receiving the students, Governor Idris expressed gratitude to God and thanked President Tinubu for deploying the full weight of government to facilitate the rescue. He praised the military, security agencies and the Minister of State for Defence for their commitment and coordination throughout the operation.
The governor added that the girls would be given full medical examinations before being reunited with their families. He also extended appreciation to Nigerians—including religious leaders and other prominent figures—for their prayers, support, and messages during the ordeal.
