Atiku: Release of Kebbi Schoolgirls Not a Federal Government Achievement

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing it as a reflection of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity rather than a government success.

In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku said the return of the students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, “is not a trophy moment,” insisting it only shows that terrorists “operate freely, negotiate openly and dictate terms.”

His comments followed a defence by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who said on Arise News that security agencies tracked the kidnappers in real time and established contact without paying ransom.

Onanuga had explained that although intelligence agencies know the hideouts of the bandits, operations are often limited by the risk of harming civilians being held hostage.

But Atiku faulted the government’s celebration of the rescue, questioning why the criminals were neither arrested nor neutralised if they were indeed tracked.

“Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them?” he asked, adding that the situation portrays terrorists as “an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom and walking away untouched.”

He said no responsible country congratulates itself for negotiating with abductors it claims to monitor.

The students were kidnapped on November 17 when gunmen attacked the school, killing a staff member and taking 25 girls from their dormitory. One escaped shortly after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu welcomed their return and commended security agencies for their efforts, while Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris insisted no ransom was paid.