The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to step up efforts to secure the release of students kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Captain David Adewusi, the Media Information Officer of the operation, the directive was given on Monday during Gen. Shaibu’s operational visit to Kebbi State. Addressing frontline commanders and troops, the COAS urged them to intensify intelligence-led operations and maintain a sustained pursuit of the abductors.
“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” he declared.
Gen. Shaibu also met with local vigilante groups and hunters, describing them as essential partners. He emphasized that their familiarity with the terrain would play a crucial role as they work closely with the troops to track down and dismantle the criminal elements responsible for the attack.
“Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he added.
As part of his tour, the Army Chief visited the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, where he reassured them of the military’s unwavering commitment to rescuing the abducted students without harm.
Gen. Shaibu further encouraged the soldiers to remain steadfast and professional, urging them to adhere to the rules of engagement while staying disciplined and determined in restoring calm to Kebbi State and its surrounding communities.
Channels Television earlier reported that 25 students from the school were kidnapped after armed bandits stormed the premises on Sunday night. The attackers also killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly shot while trying to shield the students during the assault. Witnesses said the bandits encountered no resistance and left behind a community overwhelmed by fear and grief.
The Federal Government has strongly condemned the attack, pledging swift action to rescue the abducted girls. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a Monday statement that security and intelligence agencies had been directed to locate and safely recover the students, while ensuring those responsible face justice. He noted that President Bola Tinubu maintains that protecting Nigerians—especially schoolchildren—remains a core responsibility of the State.
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, also visited Maga on Monday, where he met with traditional leaders, security agencies, and families of the abducted students. He expressed sympathy and assured parents that every effort was being made to bring their children home.
“The unfortunate thing has already happened. They have abducted our children. We came here, we saw things for ourselves, and we met the parents whose children were taken,” the governor said.
“We gave them confidence, and we gave them our word that we will do everything possible to ensure that their children are rescued. We also assured them to remain confident, and that security agencies will do everything necessary.”
What you should know
The abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State has triggered a large-scale security response involving the Nigerian Army, local vigilantes, and intelligence agencies.
The incident, which also led to the killing of the school’s vice principal, has drawn strong condemnation from the Federal Government and renewed calls for improved protection of students in vulnerable communities.
