Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has confirmed the safe return of the 24 students abducted from a girls’ secondary school in Maga last week. The governor made the announcement during a press briefing at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, expressing relief and gratitude over the successful rescue.

Governor Idris revealed that the freed students are in stable and good condition, and are already on their way back to the state. He expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu as well as the military, police, and other security agencies involved in the operation.

“From the information we have right now, the children are on their way back and they are all fine,” he stated.

Addressing ongoing speculation, the governor firmly clarified that no ransom was paid to secure the release of the students.

“We checked to confirm if any ransom was paid, and from everything we gathered, no money was given. As a government, we didn’t pay a single naira, and the security officers who went to receive them also said they didn’t take any money,” he explained.

Governor Idris added that the students will be officially handed over to their parents tomorrow.

The kidnapping, which took place last week at the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, had sparked widespread concern across the state and beyond. Their safe return has drawn relief from parents, residents, and Nigerians nationwide.