The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Defence Minister to immediately move to Kebbi State following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area. The abduction occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17th, 2025, when gunmen stormed the girls’ dormitory, killing the school’s vice principal and a security guard before fleeing with the students.
Expressing deep grief and condemnation, President Tinubu said, “I am depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls.” He also expressed sadness over the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers on active duty, praying that God would comfort the families of the fallen heroes. As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Tinubu emphasized the urgency of the security agencies’ response, directing them to act swiftly to secure the release of the girls and bring them back safely to Kebbi State.
Tinubu urged Nigerians, especially community leaders in affected areas, to cooperate fully by sharing useful information with security forces, saying, “Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe.” He warned that “those who threaten the safety of our citizens will face the full weight of the Nigerian state.”
In a display of federal government solidarity, Vice President Kashim Shettima was dispatched to Kebbi State to commiserate with the families affected by the attack, bring a message of reassurance, and affirm that all efforts are being mobilized for a successful rescue operation.President Tinubu commended Kebbi State Governor Dr. Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts aimed at preventing the kidnapping, despite intelligence warnings about the possible movement of bandits in the area. He described the incident as a security breach and reiterated that security forces needed the full cooperation of every community to defeat terrorism and save lives.
The abduction of the 25 schoolgirls has once again shocked the nation, coming after a series of similar attacks in Nigeria, and highlights ongoing challenges in securing educational institutions against violent extremist groups intent on disrupting the country’s peace and development.
