A newly circulated video has brought to light claims by armed groups that negotiations with the Nigerian government preceded the release of the abducted students from the Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The footage, shared widely on social media, appears to contradict earlier official statements that no ransom was paid for the girls’ freedom.
In the video, one of the armed individuals is heard questioning the students about military aircraft activity during their captivity. When asked how many jets flew over the forested area, the girls responded, “uncountable.” The speaker then asserted that authorities had been unable to secure the students through force and resorted to dialogue instead.
The abductors further engaged the students about their treatment while in captivity. “Did we leave you hungry?” one asked, to which the girls replied, “No.” Another question—”Were you assaulted in any way?”—was met with the same response. One of the armed men emphasized that the release was part of a “peace deal,” stating, “We will take you back home safe to your parents.”
The video concludes with a critical remark aimed at the government: “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.”
This footage emerged shortly after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced the successful release of all abducted students. The girls, who were kidnapped after an attack on their school that resulted in the death of the vice-principal, were seen smiling in a bus as officials prepared to transport them to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Authorities confirmed that the students would be reunited with their families on Wednesday.
The incident has reignited discussions about security challenges in the region and intensified calls for improved measures, including the establishment of state police forces.
