Release of Abducted Schoolgirls Is No Victory — Terrorists Now Act as an Alternative Government — Atiku Slams FG

Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government’s response to the abduction and release of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, arguing that the development signals a deeper collapse of security rather than a successful operation. In a statement issued Wednesday, he challenged the presidency’s portrayal of the girls’ freedom as a major achievement, describing the narrative as an attempt to mask the government’s inability to curb terrorists who now operate with alarming confidence.

The reaction followed comments by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, who said on Arise News that security forces tracked the kidnappers in real time and made contact with them. Atiku questioned why such intelligence failed to produce arrests or decisive action, insisting that the situation instead reflects a dangerous level of impunity.

He said the release should not be celebrated as a triumph but seen as further evidence that armed groups dictate terms, negotiate openly, and continue their activities without consequence. Atiku argued that the repeated pattern of mass abductions, ransom deals, and unhindered escapes shows that criminals now function like an “alternative government” in some regions, while officials applaud outcomes that should be regarded as failures.

According to him, no responsible state congratulates itself for negotiating with criminals it claims to have under surveillance. He maintained that the administration has lost control of national security and is leaning on propaganda to cover shortcomings, warning that allowing kidnappers to walk free after being tracked amounts to a national disgrace.

The incident occurred on November 17, when armed men invaded Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, killing a staff member and seizing 25 students. One escaped shortly after, while the remaining 24 were held until their release on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued through Onanuga, welcomed the news and expressed relief that all abducted students had been accounted for. He urged security agencies to intensify operations and prioritise the rescue of other victims across the country.