Kebbi Kidnapping: Experts Trust Matawalle to Save Schoolgirls

ABUJA – A group of security experts affiliated with the Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI) has shown high confidence that the Minister of S...

ABUJA– A group of security experts affiliated with the Keep Nigeria Safe Initiative (KNSI) has shown high confidence that the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, will effectively guide actions to rescue the schoolgirls who were taken in Kebbi State this week.

In a statement released on Friday, the group praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for quickly instructing the Minister to move immediately to Kebbi State and oversee on-site rescue efforts until all affected individuals are safely retrieved.

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A group of armed individuals attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga early on Monday, November 17, 2025, kidnapping 24 students and killing a staff member in the process.

After the incident, President Tinubu, via a statement authored by his Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed Dr. Matawalle to be physically in Kebbi starting Friday to monitor the actions of security agencies and facilitate a rapid rescue operation.

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In response to the development, KNSI, via its National Convener, Comrade Isaac Onoje, characterized the President's instruction as prompt and well-considered, highlighting Matawalle's proven performance as making him highly appropriate for the role.

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The group stated, 'President Tinubu's choice to send the Minister of State for Defence to Kebbi clearly demonstrates strong leadership. It also indicates that he recognizes the abilities of his appointees and knows who to assign for important tasks.'

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The alliance highlighted a number of effective rescue missions carried out by Dr. Matawalle while he was the leader of Zamfara State, during which he facilitated the return of thousands of abducted individuals without requiring any payment.

As per KNSI, Matawalle's non-physical approaches and strong position on combating bandits played a major role in decreasing instability in Zamfara throughout his leadership.

The statement highlighted, 'We clearly recall the rescue of almost 300 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Science Secondary School in Jangebe in 2021. Within four days, Governor Matawalle managed to bring back all the abducted students safely without paying any ransom. The President personally recognized this courage at that time.'

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The specialists also pointed out additional examples, such as the release of 11 hostages in November 2020 using the strategy of incentives and penalties implemented by his government.

Referencing a report from Daily Trust dated April 2, 2021, the organization mentioned that Matawalle facilitated the release of more than 2,000 kidnapped individuals within his initial two years in power, with additional rescue efforts noted up to May 2023.

"Given his vast experience in handling mass kidnappings and fighting terrorism, we are certain that he will apply the same determination and achievements to the present circumstances in Kebbi," the group stated, noting that it continues to be dedicated to aiding current national security initiatives.

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KNSI also called on the Federal Government to quickly restore the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), launched in 2014 during the administration of Goodluck Jonathan after the Chibok kidnapping.

They stated that the SSI was essential in safeguarding students and teachers in disadvantaged areas by enabling the transfer of pupils from dangerous zones, enhancing school security structures, and raising money for boundary fencing and monitoring systems.

The group maintained that bringing the program back would greatly enhance the safety of students in areas affected by conflict.

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