‘We’ve not given up on Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu’ — FG insists

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to rescuing the remaining 87 Chibok schoolgirls and Leah Sharibu, who are still in captivity years after their abduction by terrorists.

This assurance was given on Monday, July 29, 2025, by the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Major General Adamu Garba Laka, during a press briefing in Abuja.

He emphasized that contrary to public perception, the government and security agencies have remained consistently engaged in operations and negotiations to secure their safe return.

Major General Laka explained that the lack of regular updates on the matter does not reflect inactivity or negligence.

According to him, the rescue of some of the kidnapped girls over the years was a result of sustained efforts involving military intelligence, negotiations, and strategic coordination with both local and international partners.

He also revealed that some of the rescued girls had been married off to insurgents but were successfully rehabilitated and reunited with their families.

Highlighting the expanded collaboration with international agencies, Laka announced the extension of the UK-backed “Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell” to states across Nigeria to strengthen response capabilities.

He stressed that the nation continues to hope and pray for the safe return of Leah Sharibu and others, reaffirming the government’s unwavering dedication to seeing all abductees regain their freedom.