Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, arrived in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for him to immediately relocate to the state and oversee rescue efforts for the schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
Upon landing, Matawalle went straight into a closed-door meeting with top security chiefs, including senior Army officers, police commanders, and heads of other security agencies. The meeting focused on reviewing intelligence and strengthening coordination to fast-track the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.
Though the minister did not speak with journalists, security sources said his presence signals a more intense phase of operations.
“The directive from Abuja is clear—everything possible must be done to bring the girls back safely,” a senior security officer disclosed, noting that the meeting aimed to tighten operational plans and eliminate delays.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, through his spokesperson, thanked President Tinubu for the swift federal intervention and assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies.
“What happened in Maga is unacceptable. We will work closely with the security forces to ensure the safe return of our daughters,” he said.
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In Maga, worried parents and community leaders have been holding prayer sessions, hoping for quick action. One community elder told our correspondent that the minister’s arrival has given them renewed hope.
“Seeing the Federal Government directly involved gives us some relief. We just want our children back,” he said.
The abduction occurred early Monday when bandits attacked the school, overpowering local security and taking several students. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and reignited calls for stronger school protection measures, especially in vulnerable rural areas.
Since the attack, search operations have expanded across forest routes linking Kebbi, Zamfara, and Niger States. Ground troops and aerial surveillance have been deployed as security agencies intensify efforts to track the kidnappers and rescue the girls.
