The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts to secure the release of students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YANMA, Captain David Adewusi, the COAS gave the directive on Monday during an operational tour of Kebbi State.
Addressing frontline commanders and troops, Gen. Shaibu charged them to conduct intelligence-driven operations and maintain relentless, day-and-night pursuit of the abductors.
“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” he stated.
READ ALSO: Bandits Abduct 25 Schoolgirls, Kill Vice Principal In Deadly Attack On Kebbi School
The COAS also met with local vigilantes and hunters, describing them as critical partners in the operation. He urged them to leverage their knowledge of the terrain in collaboration with troops to locate and neutralize the criminal elements.
“Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he emphasized.
Earlier, Gen. Shaibu paid a condolence visit to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, assuring them of the Army’s unwavering commitment to rescuing the abducted students unharmed.
Gen. Shaibu also enjoined troops to remain resilient and professional, urging them to operate within the rules of engagement while staying responsive, disciplined, and resolute in restoring peace to Kebbi State and surrounding areas.
Schoolgirls abducted, Vice Principal killed
Channels Television reported that Bandits abducted 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Kebbi State.
It was gathered that the girls were whisked away during an attack by the gunmen on Sunday night at the school located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
According to sources, the attackers killed the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting several schoolgirls.
Witnesses said the bandits operated without resistance and caused widespread panic, throwing the entire region into deep fear and mourning.
Makuku was reportedly shot while attempting to protect the students during the invasion.
FG Condemns Attack, Vows To Rescue Schoolgirls
The Federal Government has condemned the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, vowing to swiftly rescue the abducted schoolgirls.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, the Federal Government said security and intelligence agencies have been given clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the students, and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The government expressed deep concern and solidarity with the families of the abducted students, saying it shares in their pain and remains firmly committed to securing the release of the girls.
According to the Minister, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State.
Gov Idris Assures Parents
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, says he has assured parents of the schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga that efforts are underway to rescue their children.
The governor stated this on Monday after visiting Maga, where the incident occurred, and holding a closed-door meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and parents of the abducted students.
“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,” Governor Idris 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. That is the essence of our coming to Maga—to see the people and give them confidence and words of encouragement.”
