19th November 2025
One of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from a school in northwestern Nigeria has escaped and is safe, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, as hunters and security forces intensify their search for the remaining missing students, AP News reports.
The girls were kidnapped before dawn on Monday when gunmen attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga town, Kebbi State.
A general view of the school from which school children were kidnapped by gunmen in Kebbi, Nigeria | AP News
The school principal, Musa Rabi Magaji, confirmed that the first escapee arrived home late on Monday.
Another student managed to flee immediately after the raid and was not taken.
They are safe and sound,” Magaji told The Associated Press.
A video verified by AP shows the two schoolgirls, appearing to be in their early teens, surrounded by family members in the village.
The attack prompted an immediate response from security forces.
The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts in the search-and-rescue mission for students abducted in Kebbi State.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, visited the school on Monday, promising swift action to rescue the girls.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, directed “intelligence-driven operations and relentless day-and-night pursuit of the abductors.”
He added, “We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional.”
Families in Maga recounted the predawn attack with shock and grief.
Resident Abdulkarim Abdullahi said he overheard the gunfire from his home.
“I was at home when I suddenly heard gunshots from the school. We were told that the attackers entered the school with many motorcycles,” he said.
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