BREAKING: Defence Minister Deploys to Kebbi to Coordinate Rescue of Abducted Schoolgirls

Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, on Friday arrived in Kebbi State following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to immediately oversee efforts to rescue schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

Upon arrival, Matawalle held a closed-door meeting with top security officials, including senior Army officers, police commanders, and heads of other security agencies. The meeting focused on reviewing intelligence reports, strengthening coordination among security agencies, and fast-tracking the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

A senior security officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “The Minister’s presence signals that the operations are entering a more aggressive phase. The directive from Abuja is clear—every effort must be made to secure the safe return of the girls.”

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, commended the Federal Government for its swift response. A statement from his office read: “We appreciate the prompt deployment of high-level federal attention. What happened in Maga is unacceptable, and the state government will continue to provide full support to security agencies to ensure the safe return of our daughters.”

Parents and community leaders in Maga have intensified prayer sessions, calling for urgent government action. A community elder expressed hope, saying, “Seeing the Federal Government directly involved gives us relief. We just want our children back safely.”

The abduction occurred early Monday when bandits overpowered local security personnel and kidnapped several students. In response, search operations have expanded across forest routes connecting Kebbi with Zamfara and Niger States, involving both aerial surveillance and ground troops tracking the kidnappers.

The incident has sparked nationwide condemnation and renewed calls for increased protection of schools, particularly in rural communities.