Minister Sulaiman-Ibrahim Assures Safe Return of Abducted Girls Through Security Forces

Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called for the “immediate and unconditional release” of 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, describing the attack as a grave threat to the safety and future of Nigerian children.

The minister made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the 7th National Children’s Parliament and the launch of The State of the Nigerian Girl Child Report II (2025), an event held to mark Universal Children’s Day.

Speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Maryam Keshinro, Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged the abductors to release the girls and expressed confidence in Nigeria’s security forces to secure their safe return.

“In recent days, 25 schoolgirls were abducted in Kebbi State, an attack on their safety, dignity, and future. I demand their immediate and unconditional release, and I appeal to the abductors to return them safely,” she said.

The minister also highlighted progress in girls’ education, noting that the prevalence of child marriage has declined from 44 percent to 28.6 percent. She, however, stressed that significant inequalities remain, citing UNICEF data which shows that Nigeria is home to nearly 25 million child brides, with northern states such as Bauchi, Jigawa, and Zamfara reporting some of the highest rates.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined government initiatives including a fully funded, time-bound Costed National Action Plan to end child, early, and forced marriage, guidelines on alternative care for children, and Nigeria’s first National Boy-Child Policy, emphasizing an inclusive approach to protecting the rights of all children.

At the event, Duncan Harvey, Country Director of Save the Children International, commended the progress in reducing child marriage while calling for continued investment in girls’ education, health, and rights.