President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate efforts toward rescuing the 25 abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

The directive was issued on Thursday through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Background of the Incident

At about 4 a.m. on Monday, armed men abducted 24 students (some reports say 25) from the school in Maga, Ribah Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

Security agencies have since launched a coordinated operation to locate and rescue the students.

Why Matawalle Was Directed to Relocate

Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, is considered experienced in dealing with banditry and mass kidnappings.
A notable incident during his governorship was the 2021 abduction of 279 students in Jangebe, who were eventually released without casualties.

He is expected to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday and remain in the state until further notice.

Tinubu Cancels Planned Trips

President Tinubu has postponed:

His trip to Johannesburg, South Africa

His visit to Luanda, Angola

This is to allow continuous security briefings on:

The Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction

The attack on Christ Apostolic Church members in Eruku, Kwara State