Tinubu Sends Matawalle to Kebbi as Schoolgirls’ Abduction Triggers Security Shake-Up

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate efforts aimed at rescuing the 25 schoolgirls abducted in the early hours of Monday.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said the minister will remain in the state until substantial progress is made in the search-and-rescue operation. Matawalle is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

Gunmen had stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, whisking away the students around 4am.

The presidential directive comes amid rising concerns over a string of violent attacks across the country, including the invasion of a church in Kwara State on Tuesday where at least three worshippers were reportedly killed.

The Presidency on Thursday announced the postponement of President Tinubu’s planned trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, following the Kwara incident.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President on a sympathy visit to Kebbi, is expected to brief Tinubu alongside security agencies handling the investigation into the Kwara church attack.

Tinubu, in a statement earlier in the week, expressed grief over the deaths of soldiers—including a senior officer—in Borno, as well as the abduction of the schoolgirls.

“As Commander-in-Chief, I am depressed by the tragic death of our soldiers and the disruption of the education of innocent schoolgirls,” he said. “I have directed security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back safely.”

The President also urged residents of affected communities to provide intelligence that could aid security operations, stressing that cooperation with security agencies is critical to overcoming the ongoing challenges.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has ordered the closure of schools in four local government areas over rising security concerns. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state confirmed the directive in a circular issued on Wednesday.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has also requested the establishment of a Forward Operating Base of the Nigerian Army and a Mobile Police Squadron in Eruku to strengthen security in the area.