The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has arrived in Kebbi State following the abduction of 24 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town. Acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the minister is tasked with overseeing ongoing security operations aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted students.
Upon arrival in Birnin Kebbi, Matawalle immediately convened a high-level meeting with the state’s security chiefs to assess the current situation and coordinate rescue efforts. Discussions centered on strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing collaboration among security agencies, and deploying additional resources to critical areas. The Defence Minister emphasized the urgency of the mission, reiterating the federal government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the girls and restoring confidence in the affected communities.
The abduction, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, saw armed assailants storm the school premises, opening fire before forcing the students into the bush. One student managed to escape, while 24 remain in captivity. The incident has drawn widespread concern, reviving painful memories of past mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria, including the 2021 abduction of 279 female students in Zamfara State.
President Tinubu’s directive for the Defence Minister to remain in Kebbi underscores the seriousness with which the federal government views the situation. Matawalle, who previously served as governor of Zamfara State, brings experience in tackling banditry and mass abductions, having dealt with similar crises during his tenure.
The Defence Minister assured families of the abducted students that every effort is being made to secure their release. He called for calm and cooperation from residents, urging communities to support security agencies with timely information that could aid rescue operations.
The federal government reaffirmed its stance that acts of criminality targeting schools and vulnerable populations will not be tolerated. Security agencies have been placed on heightened alert, with coordinated operations underway to track the perpetrators and dismantle their networks.
This latest intervention reflects the government’s broader strategy to confront insecurity across the country, with a focus on safeguarding educational institutions and ensuring that children can pursue their studies without fear.