Atiku Criticizes FG Over Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Release, Calls It Evidence of Terrorist Control

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has faulted the Federal Government’s handling of the recent abduction and release of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, warning that the development is not a security victory but a clear indication that terrorists now operate as an “alternative government” in parts of the country.

In a statement issued by his media office on Wednesday, Atiku criticized the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, over comments on Arise News describing the girls’ freedom as a government achievement. Atiku called the remarks “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up government incompetence as heroism.”

He questioned claims that security agencies tracked the kidnappers in real time, asking why such intelligence did not lead to the arrest or neutralization of the abductors.

“Truth be told, the release of abducted Nigerians is not a trophy moment; it is a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face,” Atiku said.

He added, “If, as claimed, the DSS and military could ‘track’ the kidnappers in real time and ‘make contact’ with them, why were these criminals not arrested, neutralised, or dismantled on the spot? Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them?”

Atiku highlighted that repeated mass abductions, ransom payments, and the peaceful release of criminals show that terrorists negotiate, collect ransom, and walk away untouched, while officials celebrate their so-called compliance.

“Under Tinubu, terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched — while the presidency celebrates their compliance. No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with criminals it claims to have under surveillance,” he said.

The former vice president concluded that instead of ensuring protection for citizens, the government is offering what he called “fairy tales by moonlight,” masking failures with propaganda.

The Kebbi abduction occurred on November 17, when armed men stormed the Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, killing a staff member and abducting 25 students. One student escaped soon after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu, through Onanuga, welcomed the girls’ release, expressing relief that all 24 were accounted for, while urging security agencies to intensify deployments and prioritize the rescue of other abducted Nigerians across the country.