“We Must Put More Boots On The Ground” – Tinubu Declares As 24 Kebbi School Girls Are Freed

President Bola Tinubu has expressed relief and gratitude over the release of the 24 schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga Kebbi last Monday, describing the development as a victory for resilience and coordinated security efforts.

The attackers had invaded the school at dawn on November 17, striking shortly after a military detachment departed the premises. The incident sparked a wave of copycat kidnappings in Eruku, Kwara State, and Papiri, Niger State, heightening nationwide concern over the safety of students in vulnerable communities.

All 38 victims kidnapped in Eruku were freed on Sunday. On the same day, the Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria announced that 50 of the missing students from the Catholic School in Papiri had been located in their parents’ homes, easing earlier fears about the scale of the abduction.

Reacting to the latest rescue, President Tinubu applauded security agencies for their swift and coordinated action that led to the recovery of the kidnapped girls. He urged them to intensify operations aimed at rescuing those still in captivity and preventing further attacks.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now, we must put as a matter of urgency more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” the President said.

The statement was issued on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.