A new video has sparked outrage and disbelief after armed bandits claimed that the Nigerian government negotiated with them to secure the release of kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State.
The girls, students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, were abducted in a violent raid that left the vice-principal dead.
They were released on Tuesday, with officials insisting no ransom was paid and the girls returned safely.
However, the footage, shared on X by @AM_Saleeem, shows one of the kidnappers telling the students that the authorities could not rescue them by force and were compelled to negotiate.
In the clip, the abductors questioned the girls about military jets that reportedly flew over the forest during their captivity.
“Did we leave you hungry?” one of the bandits asked, to which the girls replied, “No.” When asked if they were assaulted, they again responded, “No.” Another armed man added, “We will take you back home safe to your parents, we are doing this based on peace deals.”
The kidnappers openly mocked the government, asking, “How many helicopters did you see hover around?” and declared, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.”
READ ALSO: Kebbi Crisis: Schoolgirls Kidnapping ‘War Against Education’, Say CSOs
The footage comes shortly after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle confirmed the safe release of all abducted students.
The girls were later seen smiling aboard a bus heading to Birnin Kebbi, where they are expected to be reunited with their families on Wednesday.
The video has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s security apparatus and the ability of authorities to respond to abductions, even as the government continues to emphasize that the students were freed without ransom.
Public reactions on social media have ranged from shock to condemnation, with many questioning the effectiveness of ongoing security measures in the region.