Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the release of abducted schoolgirls in Kebbi State, insisting that their freedom should not be celebrated as a success but rather as proof of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

In a statement from his media office on Wednesday, Atiku described the development as “not a trophy moment” but “a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms while this administration issues press statements to save face.”

His remarks followed comments by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who during an interview on Arise News TV praised the Department of State Services (DSS) and the military for tracking the kidnappers in real time and securing the girls’ release without ransom. Onanuga explained that security agencies were cautious to avoid harming civilians while pursuing the bandits.

Atiku dismissed the government’s narrative as “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy and dress up incompetence as heroism.” He questioned why the kidnappers were not apprehended if they were under surveillance. “Why is the government boasting about talking to terrorists instead of eliminating them? Why is kidnapping now reduced to a routine phone call between criminals and state officials?” he asked.

He further argued that the government’s explanation suggests that “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government, negotiating, collecting ransom, and walking away untouched, while the presidency celebrates their compliance.” Atiku added: “No serious nation applauds itself for negotiating with terrorists it claims to have under surveillance. No responsible government congratulates itself for allowing abductors to walk back into the forests to kidnap again.”

The abduction took place on November 17, when armed men attacked Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, killing one staff member and abducting 25 students. One escaped shortly after, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by Onanuga, expressed relief that “all the 24 girls have been accounted for” and commended security agencies for their efforts. He directed more “boots on the ground” in troubled areas and ordered intensified operations to rescue other captives nationwide.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, also confirmed that no ransom was paid, attributing the release to coordinated action by security personnel.