Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Sunday, said it was aware of the claim by Kebbi State Governor, Mohammed Idris, that terrorists struck only 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
It said a thorough review was underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time of the incident.
DHQ, however, expressed deep concern over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from the school, and also the abductions from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Describing the attacks as “heinous”, DHQ extended its thoughts to the students, their families, and the affected communities.
In a statement, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the girls and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
“All operational decisions are based on 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 military further reiterated its commitment to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities.
It assured Nigerians that the rescue of the abducted students was a top priority, with troops actively pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure their safe return.
Acknowledging public concerns over the rising insecurity in parts of the north, DHQ stressed that the armed forces remained fully committed to restoring peace and stability across all affected areas.
JTF Commander: No Safe Place for Bandits
Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North West (JTF NW), Operation Fansān Yamma (OPFY), Major-General Warrah Idris, directed troops to maintain unyielding pressure on the criminals responsible for the recent abduction at St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
“The bandits are clearly feeling the heat of our operations and will find no safe haven,” Idris said.
The commander issued the directive during a visit to the scene of the abduction on November 22.
The development was confirmed in a statement by Media Information Officer of Operation Fansān Yamma, Captain David Adewusi.
During the visit, Idris carried out an on-the-spot assessment to get first-hand operational insight into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
He was received and briefed by General Officer Commanding 2 Division, and Commander, Sector 3 OPFY, Major-General C. R. Nnebiefe, on ongoing coordinated efforts with other security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students.
Reaffirming the theatre’s determination to bring the perpetrators to justice, Idris underscored the importance of relentless pursuit.
“Remain vigilant and unrelenting in pursuing them, without granting any respite, until every one of the captured students is safely recovered and reunited with their families,” he ordered.
The theatre commander further expressed confidence in the troops’ capability and commitment, assuring them that all necessary resources, support, and operational enablers would be provided to ensure the success of the mission.
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