In a video obtained by Reporters, some of the armed men who abducted 24 schoolgirls from Maga, Kebbi State, claimed the Nigerian government had no role in their release. The militants insisted the girls were freed following negotiations with “important people” rather than any state intervention.

The footage shows the girls seated on the ground under the watch of armed men, who asked them the current date to verify the recency of the video. Some of the terrorists were dressed in what appeared to be military uniforms and were seen with motorcycles, assault rifles, and other weapons.

A masked militant questioned the girls about their treatment, asking if they had been molested or left hungry. The girls responded that they had been treated well, and the militants confirmed the release was based on a “peace agreement.”

The insurgents also mocked the government’s inability to rescue the students, asking rhetorically how many jets had come to their aid, and emphasized that their freedom was entirely due to the ongoing discussions with key intermediaries.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu had officially welcomed the release of the schoolgirls, praising security forces for their efforts. However, he made no reference to bringing the abductors to justice, focusing instead on urging continued protection for other vulnerable students.

This revelation raises concerns about the government’s approach to negotiating with kidnappers and highlights the ongoing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where recent abductions have also occurred in Kwara and Niger states.