Leaked video shows govt negotiated with Kebbi schoolgirl abductors

A new video circulating online has raised fresh questions about the circumstances surrounding the release of students kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

The footage suggests that a negotiation occurred between government representatives and the abductors before the girls regained their freedom — contradicting earlier official claims that no ransom or deal was involved.

The schoolgirls, abducted after armed men invaded their school and killed the vice-principal, were released on Tuesday, with Kebbi State authorities insisting that the rescue was achieved without any form of payment or concession.

However, a video shared by X user @AM_Saleeem shows the armed abductors speaking with the girls shortly before their release. In the clip, one of the bandits asks the students about military aircraft that flew over the forest during their captivity.

“How many jets passed above you?” he asked.

“Uncountable,” the girls responded.

The kidnapper then claimed that the authorities were unable to secure the girls through military force, declaring that negotiations took place. He and others also questioned the girls about their treatment.

“Did we leave you hungry?” one asked.

“No,” the girls replied.

“Were you assaulted in any way?” he continued.

“No,” they answered.

Another armed man told the students, “We will take you back home safe to your parents. We are doing this based on peace deals,” while also mocking the government’s rescue efforts.

At the end of the footage, an abductor said, “We are letting you go after negotiations. Your government cannot rescue you with might. Your government has failed.”

The video surfaced shortly after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, announced that all abducted students had been freed.

The girls were later seen inside a bus, appearing calm as they were prepared for transport to Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Authorities confirmed that the students will be formally handed over to their parents today (Wednesday), as public scrutiny over the circumstances of their release continues to grow.