President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the rescue of 24 schoolgirls kidnapped from their school in Kebbi State, while launching an aggressive military campaign to combat the surge in abductions plaguing northern Nigeria.
Armed terrorists raided the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga before dawn on November 17, taking the students shortly after military personnel had left the area.
The attack triggered a wave of similar incidents across Kwara and Niger states, including the kidnapping of 38 worshippers in Eruku and over 300 students in Papiri, Niger State.
The 38 worshippers were freed on Sunday, and authorities report that about 50 students initially missing in Niger have returned home.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu commended security forces for rescuing the Kebbi girls and pushed for intensified efforts to free those still held captive.
“I am relieved that all 24 girls have been accounted for.
Now, we must urgently deploy more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to avert further kidnappings.
My government will provide everything needed to achieve this,” Tinubu said.
Defence Minister of State Bello Matawalle confirmed the girls were found unharmed after nine days.
A joint team of military personnel, police, civil defence officers, vigilantes, and local hunters tracked the kidnappers to Makwa Forest in Niger State.
No ransom was paid during the rescue operation.
The girls will receive medical evaluations before reuniting with their families.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris thanked everyone involved in the rescue, including President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and neighboring governors.
The girls are expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi for an official handover ceremony on Wednesday.
The Federal Government has activated an aggressive aerial campaign targeting forest hideouts used by kidnappers and terrorists in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger States.
Presidential adviser Sunday Dare announced on X that Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct 24-hour surveillance over known criminal corridors and coordinate closely with ground forces to destroy these camps.
The directive follows weeks of coordinated attacks that have alarmed the nation.
While several rescue missions have succeeded, security officials believe numerous hostages remain held in remote forest areas.
Tinubu has ordered all security agencies to maintain an “all-out, no-retreat posture” until every kidnapped citizen is freed and armed groups are eliminated.
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to support ongoing operations.
