President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action following the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State by directing the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to the affected area to oversee rescue operations.
Security Experts Express Confidence in Rescue Mission
The security community has responded positively to President Tinubu's directive, with the Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI) expressing strong confidence in Matawalle's ability to secure the safe return of the abducted students. The group, through its National Convener Comrade Isaac Onoje, described the president's decision as well thought out and in the nation's best interest.
The tragic incident occurred on Monday, November 17, when armed bandits attacked the school, resulting in the death of staff member Hassan Yakubu Makuku and injuries to a security guard before the abduction of the 25 students.
Matawalle's Track Record in Security Operations
Security experts highlighted Matawalle's previous experience in handling mass kidnapping situations, particularly referencing his successful coordination of the rescue of approximately 300 female students from Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe, Zamfara State, back in 2021. According to KNSI, the bandits released all hostages to Governor Matawalle safely within four days without any ransom payment.
The experts emphasized that President Tinubu's decision demonstrates his strategic leadership as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, showing he knows precisely which buttons to press to achieve results based on the antecedents of his appointees.
Immediate Implementation and Additional Recommendations
In swift compliance with the presidential directive, Matawalle arrived in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, November 21, where he immediately met with Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu). The minister confirmed his mission through an X post, stating he would remain on ground to oversee security operations and coordinate efforts for the swift rescue of the abducted schoolgirls.
Meanwhile, security expert and defence analyst Detective Awwal Bala Durumin Iya has outlined four strategic measures the federal government should urgently consider to secure the release of the abducted students. The analyst insisted that the government possesses the necessary intelligence tools and tactical capabilities to neutralize the abductors with minimal damage if it acts quickly and decisively.
In a significant policy recommendation, the security group has called on the federal government to revert to the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) that was operational in Nigeria in 2014 under President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. The SSI was originally launched in May 2014, exactly one month after the infamous abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, as a comprehensive Federal Government programme designed to safeguard students and teachers in high-risk areas.
As the rescue operation continues, security forces remain focused on their clear mission to ensure the safe return of all abducted schoolgirls while implementing additional measures to prevent future occurrences of such tragic incidents in educational institutions across Nigeria.
