The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify the ongoing search-and-rescue mission for the 25 students kidnapped from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
Armed bandits had invaded the school on Monday, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, before whisking away the schoolgirls.
Arriving in Kebbi on Monday with principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters, Shaibu held an operational briefing with frontline commanders and charged them to maintain relentless pressure on the criminals until every abducted student is safely recovered.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” he told the troops. “Once you receive intelligence of something of this nature, you must act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
He emphasised that intelligence-driven operations must remain central to the mission, noting that bandits tend to avoid areas where security presence is strong. “If they know you are in a location, they will not come there or face you in a fight — and you can defeat them, can’t you?” he said.
Maj. Gen. Shaibu also held a separate meeting with local vigilantes and hunters assisting the security forces. He highlighted their important role due to their knowledge of the terrain.
“If we have people like you, it is you who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests, and you are the ones to tell us where the criminals are,” he told them. “Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will also join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”
He condemned the attackers’ motive to instill fear in schoolchildren, insisting that authorities would not allow education to be threatened. “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,” he said.
Earlier, the Army Chief paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the school principal, Rabi Magaji.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment to the rescue operation, Shaibu assured families and the community that all resources were being deployed.
“We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely,” he stated.
