The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, has issued a forceful directive to troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, insisting they “leave no stone unturned” in the ongoing search-and-rescue mission for the students abducted from a girls’ secondary school in Kebbi State.
Shaibu made the call during a visit to Maga, where the students were kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
The raid, which took place on Monday, claimed the life of the school’s vice-principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, while the gunmen made off with the students.
During an operational meeting with frontline commanders and a separate address to deployed troops, the Army Chief stressed the urgency and professionalism required.
He said: “You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children.”
He urged his officers to base their missions on intelligence, noting a pattern in which bandits strike “soft targets” and urging security forces not merely to respond, but to act proactively.
“Once you receive intelligence of something of this nature,” he admonished, “you must act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters assisting in the operation.
“Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will also join you,” he said. “We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”
He added, “What these evil people are trying to do is to scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that.”
The Army Chief extended words of comfort during a sympathy visit to local leaders, including Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, the traditional ruler of Danko, and Rabi Musa Magaji, the school’s principal.
“We are fully committed. We will not relent,” Shaibu promised. “The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely.”
His visit coincides with a broad effort by security agencies. The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that a combined force of tactical units, military personnel, and vigilantes has been deployed to comb likely escape routes and nearby forests.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has also vowed to do all within its capacity to secure the girls’ safe return.
- COAS Orders Relentless Hunt for Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls - November 18, 2025
- Nigeria’s FX Reserves Hit $46bn, Highest Level Since 2018 — CBN - November 18, 2025
- Two Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls Escape - November 18, 2025