Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted from a boarding school in northwestern Nigeria have been released more than a week after their kidnapping. The girls were taken on November 17 from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town. Initially, reports indicated that 25 girls were kidnapped, but one managed to escape during the attack, leaving 24 who were later rescued. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed that all the rescued girls are safe and accounted for.
The abduction occurred early in the morning when armed gunmen scaled the walls of the school’s dormitory. The school’s vice-principal, who attempted to defend the students, was killed during the attack, and at least one security guard was severely wounded. Authorities stated that the rescue operation involved a coordinated effort between military personnel, police tactical units, and local vigilante groups. Officials said the operation was conducted without any ransom payment. The rescued girls were taken to the state capital for an official handover and are now being reunited with their families.
This incident is part of a growing wave of mass kidnappings in northern and central Nigeria. Just days earlier, over 300 students and staff were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger State. Analysts say such attacks are often carried out by armed gangs exploiting weak security infrastructure and limited government presence. Since the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls by Boko Haram, mass kidnappings of students have become a recurring crisis in the country.
President Tinubu welcomed the release of the 24 students, calling it a “relief” and urging security forces to strengthen efforts to protect vulnerable communities. While security agencies were praised for their swift response, critics argue that these recurring incidents highlight structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s security strategy. Authorities have not disclosed the exact details of the rescue operation, and no group has publicly claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. The physical and psychological condition of the rescued girls remains under assessment, but officials have confirmed that they are safe.
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