Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government over the release of 24 abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, insisting that their freedom should not be portrayed as an achievement but as a stark warning of Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
In a statement on Wednesday, Atiku described the release as “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.”
The former vice president’s comments were directed at Presidential Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who had credited the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military for tracking the kidnappers in real time and securing the girls’ release without paying ransom. Onanuga noted that operations were constrained by the risk of harming hostages.
Atiku rejected this explanation as “an attempt to whitewash government incompetence.” He asked: “If the DSS and military could track the kidnappers in real time and communicate with them, why weren’t the criminals arrested or neutralised immediately? Why is kidnapping now treated as a routine phone call between terrorists and state officials?”
He added that the government’s actions suggest that bandits now function as “an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched while the presidency celebrates their compliance.”
The abduction occurred on November 17, when armed assailants stormed Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, killing one staff member and kidnapping 25 students. One girl escaped shortly after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed the girls’ return in a statement, praising security agencies and calling for more “boots on the ground” in troubled areas. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris confirmed that no ransom was paid, attributing the release to coordinated security action.
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