In a significant development for Nigeria's ongoing security challenges, 24 female students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, have been successfully rescued. President Bola Tinubu officially confirmed their safe return through a statement released on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
The Presidency, via Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, announced that all students were safely rescued without any ransom payment being made to their captors. President Tinubu publicly applauded the nation's security agencies for their concerted efforts in securing the freedom of the young victims.
Presidential Response and Security Measures
President Tinubu expressed profound relief at the successful resolution of the kidnapping incident. "I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for," the President stated in his official response.
He immediately turned attention to preventive measures, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen security protocols in vulnerable regions. "Now, we must, as a matter of urgency, put more boots on the ground in vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping," Tinubu declared, assuring that his administration would provide all necessary assistance to achieve enhanced security coverage.
The Attack and Its National Impact
The terrifying incident unfolded in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, when armed bandits stormed the school located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attackers demonstrated their brutality by killing the school's Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting the 24 schoolgirls.
This kidnapping created a ripple effect across Nigeria's North Central region, with subsequent abductions reported in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri in Niger State. While the 38 victims of the Kwara church kidnapping have regained freedom, the nation remains concerned about over 200 students and teachers from a Catholic school in Niger State who remain in captivity, despite the Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria confirming that 50 missing students had been located in their parents' homes.
Complete List of Rescued Students
Following the attack, Hussaini Aliyu, Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, released the official names of all affected students. The comprehensive list includes students from various classes, highlighting the widespread impact of the abduction on the school community.
The rescued students are:
- Fatima Sani Zimri
- Hafsat Ibrahim
- Nana Firdausi Jibril
- Masauda Yakubu Romo
- Hauwa Saleh
- Hauwau Umar Imam
- Salima Garba Umar
- Salima Sani Zimri
- Amina G. Umar
- Rashida Muhammad Dingu
- Saliha Umar
- Aisha Usman
- Jamila Iliyasu
- Maryam Illiyasu
- Najaatu Abdullahi
- Zainab Kolo
- Surraya Tukur
- Hafsat Umar Yalmo
- Maryam Usman
- Amina Illiyasu
- Ikilima Suleman
- Khadija Nazifi
- Hauwa'u Iliyasu
- Hauwa'u Lawali
- Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
President Tinubu has urged security agencies to maintain their momentum and intensify efforts to secure the freedom of all remaining kidnapping victims across Nigeria, emphasizing the government's unwavering commitment to protecting all citizens, particularly vulnerable student populations.
