COAS visits Kebbi, orders intensified search for 25 abducted schoolgirls

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Monday visited Kebbi State, directing troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify the search-and-rescue operation for students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The abduction follows a Sunday night attack on the school, during which bandits killed the vice principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku, abducted 25 students, and injured several others as students fled in panic.

Shaibu arrived with a delegation of Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters and held an operational meeting with frontline commanders before addressing the deployed troops.

In a firm message, the Army Chief ordered soldiers to operate day and night until all abducted students were safely recovered.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu told the troops. “Leverage intelligence for intelligence-based missions. Bandits target soft targets; if they know you are present, they will not attack. You can defeat them.”

He stressed the importance of determination and professionalism.

“Once you receive intelligence of this nature, act decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly,” he added.

Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters supporting the operation, emphasizing their role in providing intelligence and navigating the forested terrain.

“Storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will join you. These criminals aim to scare children from going to school. We will not allow that,” he said, commending their bravery.

Earlier, the Army Chief visited the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, assuring them of the military’s resolve to rescue the girls unharmed.

“The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely,” Shaibu said.

Hajiya Rabi welcomed the visit, noting that it showed the urgency with which the military and federal authorities are treating the incident.

“Your visit has given us hope. With this level of commitment, our girls will soon return,” she said.

The abduction at GGCSS Maga has sparked nationwide concern, prompting an intensified military response involving both ground and air components under Operation FANSAN YANMA.

Security sources said troops, supported by surveillance assets, have expanded search corridors across forested areas in Danko/Wasagu and surrounding boundaries.