Tinubu Orders Defence Minister Matawalle To Kebbi To Oversee Rescue Of 24 Abducted Schoolgirls

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State following the abduction of 24 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga town. Matawalle, a former governor of Zamfara State, was asked to remain in Kebbi to monitor security operations aimed at securing the safe release of the kidnapped schoolgirls.
The abduction occurred around 4 a.m. on Monday, prompting urgent federal intervention. Matawalle is expected to arrive in Birni-Kebbi on Friday. He brings prior experience in managing mass kidnappings, having overseen security responses during his tenure as Zamfara State governor from 2019 to 2023. Notably, on 26 February 2021, armed bandits abducted 279 female students from a boarding school in Jangebe, Zamfara State, all of whom were released days later.
President Tinubu postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, to receive further briefings on the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and the attack on Christ Apostolic Church worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
Addressing public concerns over the absence of the Minister of Defence, Mohammad Badaru Abubakar, Matawalle on Thursday night assured that security operations for the rescue of the students have not been affected.
“Minister Badaru’s official engagement abroad does not diminish our sensitivity or response to the current security situation at home. Our combined efforts will ensure that we continue to address these challenges effectively,” Matawalle said.
He stressed that strategies are in place and that communication with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General O.O. Oluyede, continues to facilitate the safe release of the girls.
Matawalle emphasised the importance of the two-minister structure in the ministry, ensuring that operations maintain momentum even when one minister is away on official duties. Badaru is currently attending the 2025 Dubai International Airshow, approved by President Tinubu, to showcase Nigeria’s advancements in defence technology and foster global collaboration in aerospace, space, and defence industries.
“The Dubai Airshow serves as a premier global platform for the aerospace, space, and defence industries to foster business growth, showcase innovative technologies, and encourage international collaboration,” Matawalle explained.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to national security and the well-being of the abducted students. “We are doing everything possible to ensure the swift and safe return of the students,” he said, adding that upon his return, Badaru will actively participate in ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis.
The post Tinubu Orders Defence Minister Matawalle To Kebbi To Oversee Rescue Of 24 Abducted Schoolgirls appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.