Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the Federal Government’s handling of the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, arguing that their freedom should not be celebrated as an achievement but seen as evidence of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
In a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday, Atiku described the development as “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.”
His remarks were in response to comments made by Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during an interview on Arise News TV. Onanuga had praised the role of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military in tracking the kidnappers in real time and establishing contact to secure the girls’ release without ransom.
“The security people, they know all the bandits that are operating in that axis. They know them. They know where they operate. Our people are living around where they operate. So you can’t just go there. They need to be very careful that in the course of chasing these bandits, they don’t go and bomb innocent Nigerians,” Onanuga explained.
But Atiku dismissed the narrative as “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.” He questioned why the kidnappers were not apprehended if security agencies had them under surveillance. “Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Why is kidnapping now reduced to a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?” he asked.
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He further argued that the government’s explanation suggests that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
Atiku added: “No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to have under surveillance. No responsible government congratulates itself for allowing abductors to walk back into the forests to kidnap again.”
The abduction occurred on November 17, when armed men stormed Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing one staff member and abducting 25 students. One escaped shortly after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by Onanuga, expressed relief that “all the 24 girls have been accounted for” and commended security agencies for their efforts. He called for more “boots on the ground” in troubled areas and directed forces to prioritise rescuing other captives nationwide.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, also confirmed that no ransom was paid, attributing the release to coordinated action by security personnel.