President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound relief following the release of the 24 schoolgirls who were abducted by terrorists from a school in Maga, Kebbi State, last Monday.
The President also used the occasion to issue a firm charge to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue other victims still held captive across the country.
The girls, who were snatched at dawn on November 17 moments after a military detachment reportedly left the premises, were welcomed home by the President on November 25, 2025.
The Kebbi incident had unfortunately spurred a series of “copycat” kidnappings in other states, including Eruku in Kwara State and Papiri in Niger State.
All 38 kidnapped victims from Eruku were successfully freed on Sunday. On the same day, the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 50 of the missing students from the Catholic School in Niger were accounted for, having been found safely in their parents’ homes.
President Tinubu commended the nation’s security agents for their collaborative efforts that led to the freedom of all the recently released victims.
While celebrating the return of the Kebbi schoolgirls, the President made it clear that the fight against banditry and terrorism is far from over, especially for those still missing.
“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,” President Tinubu stated.
He tasked the security apparatus with making immediate and greater efforts to ensure the rescue of all remaining students still held captive.
