Freed Kebbi Schoolgirls: Bandits counter Defence Minister’s claims, releases video to prove negotiation

In less than 12 hours after the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle claimed that 24 Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School girls who abducted by terrororists on November 19, 2025 were freed after gun duel, the bandits swiftly responded that there was negotiation before releasing the girls.

CAPITAL POST recalled that the girls were abducted on 19th November, 2025 after killing the Vice Principal of the school.

Matawalle shortly after the rescue of the girls, said there was heavy exchange of gun fire of security operatives with bandits in Mokwa forest of Niger State before all the girls were rescued unhurt.

A video released by bandits which has gone viral raised fresh concerns over the veracity of the Minister’s claims, even as the girls were moved from Niger State back to Kebbi to undergo medical checks before reuniting with their families.

The footage, which began circulating late Tuesday, indicated that government representatives and the bandits reached an understanding before the girls were released.

Several bandits who were in joyous mood were seen having discussion with the school girls shortly before their release.

One of the bandits asks student on the number of aircraft that hovers above them while in captivity of their captors and the girls responded by saying the jets were “uncountable.”

While making mockery of government, the bandits said government could not rescue them, but assured them that they will be released for them to meet with their parents, even as government has no choice, but to negotiate with them.

The abductors also question the girls about their treatment in captivity. They ask whether the students were left hungry or assaulted. The girls replied “No” to both questions.

One of the bandits assures them that they would be taken back to their parents safely “based on peace deals,” adding that the agreement had already been concluded.

Towards the end of the footage, one of the kidnappers declares that the girls are being freed because negotiations have ended.

He boldly claims that the government “cannot rescue you with might” and insists that the authorities have failed in their responsibility to protect citizens.

The video appeared shortly after Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that all abducted students had regained their freedom.