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A new video circulating on social media has cast fresh doubt on official claims that no deal was struck with bandits before the release of schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The footage, posted by @AM_Saleeem on 𝕏, appears to show armed bandits speaking with the schoolgirls shortly before their release, boasting that the authorities were forced to negotiate rather than attempt a forceful rescue.
The girls were freed on Tuesday, with Governor Nasir Idris insisting publicly that “no Kobo was paid” and that security agencies rescued them “unhurt”.
In the video, one of the kidnappers is heard questioning the girls about military aircraft that hovered over the forest during their captivity.
“How many jets passed above you?” he asked.
The students replied, “Uncountable.”
The bandit then boasted that despite the military’s presence, authorities were unable to rescue them by force.
Another kidnapper interrogated the girls about their treatment in captivity, “Did we leave you hungry?”
“No,” they replied.
“Were you assaulted?”
“No,” they answered again.
A different member of the gang added, “We will take you back home safe to your parents. We are doing this based on peace deals.”
The clip ends with a bandit declaring, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.”
The video surfaced just after Governor Idris, alongside Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, confirmed the release of all abducted students and insisted that no ransom was paid.
The girls, kidnapped when gunmen invaded their school and murdered the vice-principal, were later seen smiling inside a bus as officials prepared to transport them to Birnin Kebbi, from where they will be reunited with their parents.
Authorities say the formal handover is expected today (Wednesday).
Watch the video where the bandit spoke in Hausa below:
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