Abuja — The abducted schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Kebbi State have been released, following a coordinated rescue effort by the Federal Government. A source close to the government’s operation revealed that the girls’ freedom was secured through a non-kinetic approach, involving dialogue and negotiation, rather than force.

The rescue operation was a collaborative effort between the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Department of State Services, who worked behind the scenes to ensure the girls’ safe release. This approach reflects a shift in the government’s strategy for addressing mass abductions, which have become a recurring issue in the northern region.

The incident had sparked widespread concern across the country, prompting the Chief of Army Staff to direct troops to intensify search-and-rescue efforts in the area. The news of the girls’ release has brought relief to their families and the wider community, who had endured days of fear and uncertainty.

The authorities are expected to begin rehabilitation and reintegration processes for the rescued students, while investigations into the circumstances of the abduction continue. The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has called for a full military investigation into the incident, which he described as an act of “clear sabotage.” The military has confirmed that the matter is under investigation.

The abduction occurred on November 17, when bandits attacked the school, killing a staff member and injuring a security guard, before abducting 25 female students. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, visited Kebbi State on Tuesday, vowing to defeat bandits and kidnappers and restore peace to the troubled state.

The release of the schoolgirls is a significant development in the government’s efforts to address the issue of mass abductions in the region. The use of a non-kinetic approach in this instance may set a precedent for future rescue operations, highlighting the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving such crises. As the authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the focus will now shift to ensuring the safe reintegration of the rescued students and preventing similar incidents in the future.