President Bola Tinubu has instructed security agencies to launch an urgent rescue mission for the 25 female students kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu area of Kebbi State.
Armed men stormed the school in the early hours of Monday, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and injuring a security guard, Ali Shehu, who sustained gunshot wounds to his right hand.
Earlier, Kebbi police spokesperson Nafi’u Kotarkoshi confirmed the abduction and stated that a manhunt for the attackers was already in motion.
In a statement issued on Monday, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said President Tinubu condemned the attack and restated his administration’s commitment to protecting all Nigerians, especially schoolchildren.
The minister said, “President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State. The government condemns the reprehensible attack on innocent students and the killing of school officials who were carrying out their noble duty.”
He noted that the President had given “clear directives” to security and intelligence agencies to locate the abducted students and ensure their safe return, stressing that those responsible must face the law.
“The Federal Government will not relent until this objective is achieved,” he added.
Idris also assured Nigerians that internal security remains a central priority of the Tinubu administration, which is currently “recalibrating the nation’s military, policing, and intelligence capabilities” to enhance prevention and rapid response to attacks.
He explained that Nigeria is strengthening security partnerships through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF, to improve border control and dismantle criminal and terrorist networks.
“We urge the public to remain calm and confident as security forces work around the clock to resolve this matter,” the minister said.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu has consistently emphasized national security as a core priority of his administration.
His directive following the abduction reflects the government’s broader strategy of improving military readiness, enhancing intelligence coordination, and reinforcing regional security alliances to combat terrorism and criminal activity across Nigeria.
