Tinubu commends rescue of Kebbi schoolgirls, directs security agencies to free remaining captives

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted in Maga, Kebbi state, on 17 November.

The schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi, were rescued on Tuesday.

The girls were seized at dawn on the day a military detachment reportedly left the school premises.

The Kebbi attack triggered similar abductions in Eruku, Kwara state and Papiri in Niger state.

All 38 victims abducted in Eruku regained freedom on Sunday.

On the same day, the Niger state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said 50 out of the over 300 students abducted from a Catholic school in the state had escaped from their abductors.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tinubu commended security agencies for the efforts that led to the release of the kidnapped victims.

He urged the agencies to intensify operations to free the remaining students still being held in captivity.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for,” Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, quoted Tinubu as saying.

“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.”