Bandits Claim Government Negotiated Schoolgirls’ Release in New Video
A new video circulating on social media has raised fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The footage, shared on X by user @AM_Saleeem, features heavily armed bandits speaking with the schoolgirls shortly before their release. This comes a day after state authorities insisted that no ransom was paid to secure their freedom.
In the clip, one of the abductors is heard asking the students how many military jets flew over the forest during their captivity.
“Uncountable,” the girls replied.
The bandit then mocked the government’s security efforts, boasting that security forces were unable to rescue the girls through military action.
“Your government cannot rescue you with might. They had to negotiate,” he declared.
The abductors also questioned the girls about their welfare in captivity.
“Did we leave you hungry?” one asked.
“No,” the students responded.
“Were you assaulted in any way?”
Again, they answered, “No.”
Another member of the group assured the girls that they would be returned safely to their families, claiming their release followed “peace deals” agreed with authorities.
The video ends with a bandit reiterating:
“We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government has failed.”
The footage surfaced barely hours after Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, confirmed that all abducted students had regained freedom.
The schoolgirls, kidnapped after gunmen invaded their school and killed the vice-principal, were later seen smiling aboard a bus as officials prepared to move them to Birnin Kebbi for medical checks and documentation. Authorities say they will be reunited with their parents today (Wednesday).
The latest development has intensified public scrutiny over government claims and revived debates about the country’s handling of mass abductions.
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