Breaking: All 24 Abducted Maga Schoolgirls Rescued

In a significant security breakthrough, all 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State have been rescued by security forces.

The rescue marks a major relief for families, the community and the nation, following days of tension after armed men stormed the school, killing the vice principal and abducting the students.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the safe release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga, Kebbi State, last Monday, while directing security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue all victims still in captivity across the country.

The schoolgirls were kidnapped at dawn on November 17, shortly after a military detachment reportedly left the school premises. Their abduction sparked similar incidents in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State, raising national concerns over rising attacks on schools.

While the Kebbi girls regained freedom on Monday, all 38 victims abducted in Eruku were rescued on Sunday. Also on Sunday, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) confirmed that 50 of the students earlier declared missing from the Catholic school in Papiri had been located in their parents’ homes.

Reacting to the developments, President Tinubu praised security agencies for their coordinated efforts in securing the release of the victims. However, he stressed that the mission remains incomplete and urged security forces to escalate operations aimed at freeing all remaining abductees.

“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,” the President said.

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He further directed that vulnerable communities be reinforced with additional personnel and proactive surveillance to prevent recurring attacks, emphasising that the government remains fully committed to securing every Nigerian child.

The recent rescue operations have been widely welcomed by affected families and communities, but authorities say investigations and search missions will continue until all captives nationwide are safely returned.