Some of the terrorists holding abducted schoolgirls from Kebbi State have taunted the Nigerian government, claiming that state power played no role in the students’ release and insisting that only discussions with “important people” made their freedom possible.

In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the schoolgirls were seen seated on the ground under the watch of armed men. The captors asked them to state the current date and year, apparently to verify that the footage was recorded recently.

Several of the terrorists appeared in what looked like military uniforms and were seen with brand-new motorcycles, assa¥lt rifles, and other sophisticated weapons. At one point, a masked militant asked the girls whether they had been molested or mistreated. “Did we leave you hungry? Did we protect you?” he asked.

The girls responded, “Yes.” “Has anyone here spoken to you maliciously or used sexual words toward you?” Again, the students answered, “No.” “We will release you so you can return to your parents peacefully, by God’s grace,” the militant added, claiming the girls remained “in good condition.”

The captors also mocked the Nigerian government for failing to launch a rescue operation, insisting that their release was solely due to discussions with “important people” rather than any state intervention.