Tinubu Moves Defence Minister to Kebbi to Lead Operation for 24 Kidnapped Students
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to immediately relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate and oversee ongoing rescue operations for the 24 schoolgirls abducted earlier this week.
The President issued the directive following briefings from security agencies on the incident, emphasizing that the safe return of the students must be treated as a top national priority.
Matawalle is expected to work closely with the military, police, and local security formations to strengthen intelligence gathering, fast-track tactical response, and ensure that all necessary resources are deployed for the rescue mission.
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on attacks against schools and vulnerable communities, stressing that perpetrators will be tracked down and brought to justice.
Security forces have since intensified operations across affected areas, with reinforcements deployed to block possible escape routes and mount sustained pressure on the abductors.