Relief as Abducted Nigerian Schoolgirls Are Freed
Twenty-four schoolgirls kidnapped from a government boarding school in Nigeria have been safely released, according to an announcement from the Kebbi state governor's office. The girls had been held captive for over a week after armed men stormed their school in northwestern Nigeria.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The abduction took place on November 17, 2025, in Kebbi state. The attack occurred shortly after a military detachment had left the school premises, leaving the students vulnerable. This brazen assault subsequently triggered a wave of copycat kidnappings in the neighbouring states of Kwara and Niger, as confirmed by authorities.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu publicly welcomed the girls' release on Tuesday, November 25. In his statement, he expressed his relief that all 24 girls were accounted for and issued a clear directive to the nation's security forces.
A National Crisis of Kidnappings
President Tinubu urged security forces to "intensify efforts to free others still held captive" and emphasised the need for urgent action. "Now we must put, as a matter of urgency, more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping," he stated, pledging his government's full assistance.
This incident highlights a severe and ongoing national crisis. Mass kidnappings for ransom have become commonplace in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs frequently target schools and rural communities. These groups often operate with impunity, overwhelming local security forces and creating an atmosphere of fear.
