After eight harrowing days in captivity, the Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from their boarding school in Maga, Kebbi State, have been rescued by security forces, President Bola Tinubu announced on Monday, bringing relief to families who feared they might never see their daughters again.

The students were taken in the early hours of November 17 when armed gunmen stormed their boarding school. The attackers killed the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, during the raid and initially abducted 25 girls. One student escaped on the day of the attack.

President Tinubu confirmed the rescue in a statement, crediting a coordinated security operation for the successful outcome. He also mentioned that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, worked closely with security agencies to secure the girls’ release.

Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris emphasized that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers, stating that the rescue was accomplished entirely through the efforts of security forces.

“This is a moment of great relief for our state and these families who have endured unimaginable anxiety,” Governor Idris said.

Abdulkarim Abdullahi, whose two daughters aged 12 and 13 were among the captives, expressed profound gratitude for their safe return. “The past week has been the most difficult time for our family. We are overjoyed to have them back,” he told reporters.

In response to the incident, President Tinubu has called for increased security deployment in vulnerable areas across northern Nigeria to prevent future kidnappings. The rescued students are reportedly in good health and are receiving medical evaluations before being reunited with their families.

The government has assured parents and school administrators that additional measures will be implemented to protect educational facilities and prevent similar attacks in the future.