Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has reaffirmed the readiness of the State Government to work closely with the military authorities to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area.
The Governor made the remarks on Friday while receiving the Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, who visited the Government House in Birnin-kebbi on a courtesy call along with senior military officers.
Governor Idris expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the Minister of State for Defence and top security officials to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate rescue operations.
He noted that the President’s swift intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s strong commitment to securing the safe return of the girls.
Governor Idris said he remains optimistic about the ongoing efforts, citing the Minister’s impressive track record in handling security challenges during his tenure as Governor of Zamfara State. He expressed confidence that the Minister would discharge his mandate effectively toward rescuing the abducted students.
He emphasized that the Kebbi State Government has consistently prioritised security since he assumed office, providing extensive logistical support including vehicles and motorcycles to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies.
According to him, these interventions have contributed to improved security in the southern part of the state, where displaced residents have returned to their communities and resumed farming activities.
Briefing the Minister on the incident, Governor Idris revealed that soldiers stationed at the school withdrew around 3:00 p.m., and the abduction occurred shortly afterward, at about 3:45 p.m. He described the development as troubling especially as the State Government had just held security meeting in which additional deployment and strengthened collaboration with security agencies were agreed upon.
The Governor therefore called for a thorough military investigation to ascertain who authorised the withdrawal of troops from the school, stressing the need to prevent a recurrence of such lapses in the future.
Earlier, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, acknowledged the presence of high-ranking security personnel in the state and underscored the sensitivity of the situation.
He informed the Governor that President Tinubu had directed him, alongside top military commanders—including the Theatre Commander of Operation (Fansan Yamma), Brigadier General Idris Warra to relocate to Kebbi State to led the rescue mission.
The Minister assured that significant progress is expected soon, noting the extensive deployment of security personnel to strategic locations across Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger States to block possible escape routes and accelerate the rescue operation.
He urged residents to remain calm, adding that additional manpower and equipment were already being mobilised.
Matawalle also appealed for full cooperation from communities and the Kebbi State Government to ensure a well-coordinated and successful operation aimed at securing the safe return of the schoolgirls.
Signed:
Idris Ahmed
Chief Press Secretary (CPS) Media and Publicity to the Gov of Kebbi State
21/11/2025
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