No casualties reported; military lauded for swift action and coordination…
Twenty-four students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, who were abducted by bandits, have been successfully rescued and handed over to Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris.
The handover was carried out on Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi by Theatre Commander Major General Idris Warrah, following directives from the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Warrah said that immediately after the abduction, troops were mobilized and launched an intensive pursuit. The Bagega Forest was identified as the location where the girls were held, and the area was cordoned off, blocking all entry and exit points.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed full deployment of federal resources to ensure the safe return of all abducted schoolgirls. I am happy to present the 24 recovered victims today. They are all hale and hearty, no deaths, no injuries,” Warrah stated.
He recommended comprehensive medical checks for the girls and conveyed appreciation from the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff for the cooperation received from the Kebbi State Government and security agencies.
Governor Idris thanked God, President Tinubu, the military, and all security agencies, assuring that thorough medical examinations would be conducted before the students are reunited with their families. He also expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their prayers, support, and solidarity during the crisis.