Defence headquarters confirms ongoing review of troop deployment after Kebbi school abduction
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged claims by Kebbi State Governor, Mohammed Idris, that terrorists attacked Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, only 30 minutes after troops were reportedly withdrawn from the school premises.
The DHQ said a thorough review is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding troop movements at the time of the incident.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, expressed deep concern over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the Kebbi institution.
He also referenced recent abductions from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, describing both incidents as “heinous acts” that have traumatised students, their families, and the affected communities.
Major General Onoja assured the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully engaged in operations aimed at securing the safe rescue of the abducted girls and apprehending the perpetrators.
He stressed that operational decisions are guided by intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture of the region.
“Nevertheless, if the ongoing review identifies any lapse or gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence,” the statement said.
The DHQ also reiterated its commitment to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities.
The military emphasized that the rescue of the kidnapped students is a top priority, with troops actively pursuing actionable intelligence to secure their safe return.
Acknowledging widespread public concern over escalating insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, the DHQ stressed that the armed forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability across affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force Northwest (JTF NW), Operation Fansān Yamma (OPFY), Major-General Warrah Idris, directed troops to maintain unrelenting pressure on the criminals responsible for the abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri.
Speaking during a visit to the scene on November 22, Idris affirmed that the bandits “will find no safe haven” as security operations intensify.
During the visit, the theatre commander conducted an on-the-spot assessment to gather firsthand operational insight.
He was briefed by Major-General C.R. Nnebiefe, General Officer Commanding 2 Division and Commander of Sector 3 OPFY, on the ongoing coordinated efforts with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the kidnapped students.
Idris instructed troops to “remain vigilant and unrelenting in pursuing the criminals, without granting any respite, until every one of the captured students is safely recovered and reunited with their families.”
He also assured the troops that all necessary resources, operational support, and enablers would be provided to ensure the success of the mission.
The combined statements from DHQ and JTF NW highlight a coordinated military effort to address both immediate threats to abducted schoolchildren and the broader security challenges facing northern Nigeria.
While investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding troop deployment, the military has underscored its determination to prevent future attacks on educational institutions.
The recent abductions underscore the persistent security risks facing schools in northern Nigeria and the ongoing need for proactive intelligence-driven operations to safeguard vulnerable communities.
