metro

Video of Bandits Mocking Government Over Release of Kebbi Schoolgirls Triggers National Outrage

Published

1 week ago

November 26, 2025

Video of Bandits Mocking Government Over Release of Kebbi Schoolgirls Triggers National Outrage

The Federal Government came under intense scrutiny on Wednesday after armed bandits released a viral video claiming they freed the 24 abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, through a negotiated arrangement with authorities.

The footage, which circulated widely on social media, shows masked gunmen in army camouflage interrogating the girls in an unidentified forest. The students, kidnapped on November 17, 2025, recounted their captivity while responding to questions from their abductors.

At one point, a bandit mocked the government’s inability to carry out a forceful rescue, asking the girls how many military jets flew over them during their ordeal. When they replied “uncountable,” he boasted that authorities opted for negotiation instead.

“Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed,” the kidnapper declared, insisting they were releasing the girls “based on peace deals.”

The abductors also questioned the students about their welfare in captivity, with the girls responding that they were neither assaulted nor starved.

The emergence of the video coincided with official announcements from the Presidency, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, all confirming the release of the 24 students. However, none of the statements revealed the method used to secure their freedom.

READ ALSO:

Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu welcomed the release and had ordered a more aggressive deployment of security forces to vulnerable areas. Tinubu said: “I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for… my government will offer all the assistance needed.”

The Kebbi State Government also confirmed the rescue without providing details. Matawalle described it as a “successful tactical operation” executed on the President’s directive.

However, the kidnappers’ video has sparked intense public criticism, with many Nigerians alleging that the government engaged in ransom payments or negotiations—actions officials have repeatedly denied.

Popular artist Falz condemned the lack of transparency, writing on X:
“How can you conduct a rescue operation and say absolutely nothing about the abductors? Who has been arrested so far? Let it be on record that the Tinubu government is enabling terrorism. Despicable.”

Other citizens echoed similar sentiments.
X user @HRH_bankeoniru warned that repeated negotiations only embolden violent groups: “Banditry will never end through dialogue and cash handouts. Criminals only understand merciless force.”

Another user, @rilwan_ola01, noted that paying ransom is a felony under the Terrorism Prevention Act 2023, accusing the government of contradicting its public anti-terror posture. He added: “Nigeria would never defeat terrorism with this approach… we need foreign assistance.”

Public analyst @HAHyatu and data analyst @SamuelEssang4 also criticised the alleged negotiation strategy, with the latter describing the situation as “one big tragic comedy.”

These concerns follow earlier remarks made by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who accused the government of “rewarding terrorists” through amnesty programmes and ransom-like deals. Former Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi also claimed some governors were enabling armed groups, arguing that constitutional immunity should be suspended during emergencies.

The unfolding controversy has intensified calls for accountability and clarity regarding the Kebbi schoolgirls’ rescue, as public confidence in the government’s counterterrorism strategy continues to erode.

Video of bandits mocking government over release of Kebbi schoolgirls sparks outrage
Yemi Lawal | #RenewedHope | Sucre | #CryptoSupport | Highline pic.twitter.com/xNpI07dQ1s

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) November 26, 2025

Video of Bandits Mocking Government Over Release of Kebbi Schoolgirls Triggers National Outrage

Up Next

Rivers Police Debunk Viral Video Claiming Fulani Herdsmen Attacked Ijaw Youths

Don't Miss

Bandits Kill Mobile Police Officer in Ambush on Zamfara Highway

metro

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

2 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

READ ALSO:

“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

metro

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

READ ALSO:

During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

metro

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

READ ALSO:

He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.