Twenty-four students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, abducted by bandits last week, have been rescued and officially handed over to Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris.
The development was announced in a statement on Wednesday by Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor.
The formal handover took place on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi, led by the Theatre Commander, Major General W. B. Idris, acting on the directive of the Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle.
Major General Idris said the military responded immediately after the incident.
“Immediately after the tragic abduction, troops were mobilised and launched an intensive pursuit of the bandits. Magiga Forest was identified as the location where the victims were being held. The area was cordoned off, and all entry and exit points blocked by soldiers,” he explained.
He added, “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.”
The commander recommended immediate medical assessments for the girls and conveyed the appreciation of the military high command for the support received from the state government and other security agencies.
Receiving the students, Governor Idris thanked God and President Tinubu for deploying full federal support to the rescue effort. He also praised the military, security operatives and the Minister of State for Defence for their coordination and commitment.
The governor assured that the rescued girls would undergo comprehensive medical examinations before being reunited with their families and expressed gratitude to Nigerians, religious leaders and dignitaries for their prayers and solidarity.