Twenty-four girls who were kidnapped from a government boarding school in northwestern Nigeria last week have been released, the media aide to the state governor confirmed on Tuesday.

The girls were taken on November 17 when armed men attacked their school in Kebbi state. The assault occurred shortly after a military detachment left the premises. Authorities said the incident sparked a series of copycat kidnappings in nearby Kwara and Niger states.

President Welcomes Release and Urges Stronger Security

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu welcomed the release of the girls and called on security forces to strengthen efforts to rescue others who remain in captivity.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now we must put, as a matter of urgency, more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” Tinubu said.

Ransom Kidnappings Continue in Northern Nigeria

Mass kidnappings for ransom have become frequent in northern Nigeria. Armed gangs often target schools and rural communities, overwhelming local security forces and creating ongoing security challenges.