Army Chief Visits Kebbi, Orders Round-the-Clock Operation to Rescue Abducted Schoolgirls
Story: Written by Peterson November 18,2025
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, visited Kebbi State on Monday and directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify their search-and-rescue mission for the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA.
The abduction occurred during a late-night attack in which armed bandits killed Vice Principal Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku and injured several students as they fled in fear.
Arriving with senior officers from Army Headquarters, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu held a strategic meeting with frontline commanders and later addressed the troops deployed in the area.
Issuing a firm directive, he ordered the soldiers to sustain nonstop operations until every missing student is safely recovered.
“You must continue the mission day and night. We must find these children,” he said. “Use intelligence effectively. Bandits target vulnerable areas, but when you’re present, they run. You have the capacity to defeat them.”
The Army Chief emphasized swift action, discipline, and professionalism, noting that decisive response to credible intelligence is critical.
Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters assisting the operation, praising their bravery and urging them to intensify their efforts.
“Comb through every part of the forests. Our troops will work with you. These criminals want to frighten children away from school, and we will not allow that,” he vowed.
Earlier, he paid courtesy visits to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the school’s principal, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, reassuring them of the military’s resolve to bring the girls home unharmed.
“The safety of these children is a national priority. Every available resource is being deployed to ensure their safe return,” Shaibu said.
Hajiya Rabi expressed relief, saying the visit renewed their hope and demonstrated the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the matter.
The incident has triggered widespread concern nationwide, prompting an expanded military operation across forest corridors in Danko/Wasagu and adjoining areas, supported by air surveillance and ground troops.
