Arewa Think Tank hails Tinubu over release of kidnapped schoolgirls, says it’s a turning point

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Convener of the Arewa Think Tank (ATT), Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of the 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, as well as other victims released in Niger and Kwara states.

Yakubu, in a statement on Wednesday, said the President’s swift intervention and personal involvement signalled a renewed commitment to ending mass abductions across the country.

“We are commending President Bola Tinubu for the rescue of the kidnapped students and worshippers in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States. If this speed and urgency with which they are rescued continues, the challenge of kidnapping will soon be a thing of the past,” he said.

“We suspect that there are saboteurs in the country and abroad who don’t wish Nigeria well. But the resilience of the majority of Nigerians will prevail, and the strong will of President Tinubu will also prevail over this security challenge. We can see how worried Mr President is — he even halted his meeting at the G20. This shows how seriously he takes his job.”

President Tinubu on Monday expressed relief that all 24 Kebbi schoolgirls were accounted for, announcing that he had ordered total aerial surveillance over forests in Kebbi, Niger and Kwara states areas that have witnessed a spike in kidnappings and terrorist activity.

According to presidential aides, the rescue operation was achieved through close coordination between the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS), using a non-kinetic approach involving dialogue and negotiation.

The President also applauded security agencies for their work in securing the schoolgirls and the 38 church worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, last week, vowing to deploy more troops and resources to vulnerable communities.

Despite the grim security landscape, Yakubu said the recent successful rescues show the country is capable of reversing the tide.

“The resilience of Nigerians and the determination of the President give hope that this war against kidnappers will be won,” he said.

Yakubu said the latest breakthroughs should strengthen national confidence and unity, urging citizens to rally behind the government’s efforts.

“This is not the time for distractions or for anyone to politicise our pain. What we need now is solidarity, vigilance and timely information to our security forces. Nigerians must remain steadfast because insecurity will not defeat us.

“The Arewa Think Tank calls on communities to support government efforts wholeheartedly. With the political will President Tinubu has shown and with citizens cooperating, we can end this cycle of fear and reclaim peace across our country,” Yakubu added.