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

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.

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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 Triggers National Outrage