The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to ramp up search-and-rescue efforts for the students kidnapped in Kebbi State.
Earlier reports revealed that armed bandits attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, on Monday, killing the vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students.
According to counter-insurgency analyst Zagazola Makama, Shaibu arrived in Kebbi on Monday, accompanied by top officers from Army Headquarters.
During the visit, he held an operational briefing with frontline commanders and instructed soldiers to maintain continuous operations until every missing student is located and safely brought home.
Emphasizing the need for determination, Shaibu told the troops “You must continue fighting day and night. We must find these children.
Commanders must leverage intelligence to carry out targeted missions. Bandits focus on soft targets; if they know you’re present, they avoid direct confrontation and you can defeat them, can’t you?”
He urged commanders to act swiftly and professionally whenever credible intelligence is received, stressing that restoring safety is a core responsibility of the military.
Shaibu also met with local vigilante groups and hunters supporting security forces. He highlighted the value of their knowledge of the terrain and encouraged deeper collaboration.
“If we have people like you, you will help us with local intelligence. You know these forests and can tell us where the criminals hide. Your hunters should sweep every corner of these forests, and soldiers will join you. We are counting on you to help restore peace,” he said.
He praised their bravery and assured them of continued military cooperation.
Earlier in the day, the army chief paid condolence visits to Abubakar Allaje, the traditional ruler of Danko, and to Rabi Magaji, principal of the affected school. Shaibu reaffirmed the military’s commitment to the safe return of all abducted students.
“We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and every necessary resource is being deployed to bring them home,” he said.
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