Military hands over 24 rescued Maga school girls to Kebbi Governor

The Nigerian military has formally handed over 24 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga abducted by bandits and later rescued to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris.

The handover, conducted Tuesday night in Birnin Kebbi, was performed by the Theatre Commander, Major General Idris Warrah, acting on the directive of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

Major General Warrah explained that troops were immediately mobilised after the abduction and launched a rapid, coordinated pursuit of the bandits.

He revealed that Bagega Forest was identified as the holding point for the victims, prompting soldiers to surround the area and block all escape routes.

“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,” he stated.

The official handover ceremony of the girls to their families is currently ongoing at Birnin Kebbi under tight security, with strict instructions prohibiting pictures or videos of the girls, as they are minors.