The Chairman of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Hussaini Aliyu, has released the full list of the 25 schoolgirls abducted during a violent raid on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
The disclosure aims to provide clarity to families and support the ongoing rescue efforts, following the tragic attack that also claimed the life of the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku.
Background
In the early hours of November 17, 2025, armed bandits invaded the school’s female hostel, overpowering security personnel before abducting 25 students. The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent insecurity challenges affecting communities across northwestern Nigeria.
In response, authorities at state and federal levels have intensified search efforts and deployed additional security assets to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted girls.
Escalated Search-and-Rescue Efforts
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani confirmed that additional police tactical units, working alongside military personnel and local vigilante groups, have been dispatched to the affected area.
He said the joint team is “combing suspected escape routes and surrounding forests” in a coordinated operation aimed at locating the abducted students and apprehending the attackers.
In a separate directive, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), ordered troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to “leave no stone unturned” in the search-and-rescue mission. His instructions underscore the urgency of the situation and the military’s commitment to recovering the students without delay.
Full List of Abducted Schoolgirls
Chairman Hussaini Aliyu released the following names, organized by class:
Senior Secondary School 2A
- Fatima Sani Zimri
- Hafsat Ibrahim
- Nana Firdausi Jibril
- Masauda Yakubu Romo
Senior Secondary School 2B
5. Hauwa Saleh
6. Hauwa’u Umar Imam
Senior Secondary School 3A & 3B
7. Salima Garba Umar
8. Salima Sani Zimri
9. Amina G. Umar
10. Rashida Muhammad Dingu
11. Saliha Umar
12. Aisha Usman
13. Jamila Iliyasu
14. Maryam Iliyasu
15. Najaatu Abdullahi
16. Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A
17. Surraya Tukur
18. Hafsat Umar Yalmo
19. Maryam Usman
20. Amina Illiyasu
21. Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School 2
22. Khadija Nazifi
23. Hauwa’u Iliyasu
24. Hauwa’u Lawali
25. Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
Refuting International Claims
Chairman Aliyu also addressed and firmly refuted claims made by a U.S. lawmaker alleging that the attack targeted a Christian enclave. He stressed that:
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All abducted students are Muslims, based on the official list.
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The Maga community in Zuru Emirate is not a Christian enclave, nor does it have a history of religious conflict.
He urged international commentators to avoid spreading misinformation that could inflame tensions at a sensitive time.
Conclusion
With the release of the names and the deployment of enhanced security assets, the Kebbi State government and Nigeria’s armed forces have signaled a strong commitment to rescuing the abducted students. Families now have clarity, and the nation watches closely as the intensified operations unfold.
The coming days will be decisive—not only for the recovery of the missing schoolgirls but also for public confidence in the Nigeria government’s ability to respond effectively to insecurity.