Twenty-four students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, who were abducted by bandits and later rescued, have been formally handed over to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
The handover took place on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi, led by Theatre Commander Major General Idris Warrah, who acted on the directive of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Warrah explained that troops were immediately deployed after the abduction and launched a robust pursuit of the perpetrators. He disclosed that the students were traced to Bagega Forest, which was fully secured by the military as soldiers blocked all access routes.
He 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 recommended thorough medical evaluations for the children and conveyed the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for the cooperation received from the Kebbi State Government, the Defence Ministry, and other security agencies during the rescue.
Receiving the schoolgirls, Governor Idris thanked God and President Tinubu for deploying all necessary resources to secure their release. He praised the military, security agencies, and Matawalle for their commitment and coordination throughout the operation.
The governor assured that each child will undergo full medical checks before being reunited with their families. He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians, including religious leaders and respected figures, for their prayers, support, and solidarity during the ordeal.