Chief of Army Staff Orders Troops to Work “Day and Night” to Rescue Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to continue operations day and night until the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State are rescued.

Shaibu issued the directive during a visit to the affected community. Addressing commanders and troops, the Army Chief warned that bandits have developed a pattern of targeting soft locations and stressed the need to confront them with superior strategy and intelligence.

“We will continue to fight day and night until we find these students,” he said.

“To the commanders here, leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions to rescue these girls. Bandits prey on soft targets; if they know you are in a location they cannot easily attack, they are less likely to strike. You can defeat them, I’m asking you to do that.”

The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that at least 25 students were abducted during the early Monday morning attack.

Following the incident, Commissioner of Police Bello Muhammad Sani deployed additional tactical units alongside soldiers and vigilante groups to intensify search efforts. The joint security team is reportedly combing suspected escape routes and surrounding forests to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

Sani urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

Residents reported that the attack occurred while students were preparing for their morning routines, with gunfire causing panic. While several girls were taken, locals claimed the abductors “have not gone far” and called on federal and state authorities to act swiftly.

The abduction has reignited concerns over insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly attacks on schools targeting young female students.