Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday stormed the Maga community in Kebbi State, issuing firm directives to troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to pursue the bandits who abducted students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.
His unannounced visit followed rising public anxiety after armed bandits raided the school, whisking away an unspecified number of students. Speaking during an operational assessment, Shaibu ordered troops to intensify pressure on the criminals, describing the attack as part of a worrying pattern of targeting vulnerable communities.
He insisted that such tactics must be confronted with superior strategy, improved intelligence gathering, and round-the-clock military operations.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu commanded, stressing that rescuing the abducted students must remain the military’s immediate priority.He directed field commanders to act swiftly on intelligence reports and avoid delays that could undermine rescue efforts.
“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions,” he said. “Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
Troops were further instructed to sustain 24-hour operations across the forest belts and escape routes frequently used by the criminal groups. Shaibu said no resources must be spared until every abducted student is safely reunited with their family.
In addition to meeting soldiers, the Army Chief held a closed-door session with local vigilantes and hunters who have long assisted security forces in the region. He noted that their knowledge of the terrain remains invaluable for counter-banditry operations, urging closer cooperation between communities and the military.
“If we have people like you, you are the ones who will work with us and provide local intelligence,” he told the vigilante leaders.
“You know these forests; you know where the criminals hide. Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”
Shaibu also condemned the intentions of the criminals, warning that attacks on schools were meant to instill fear and disrupt the education of young Nigerians. “What these evil people are trying to do is scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he declared.
The Kebbi abduction has sparked renewed debate over security in rural schools, many of which remain exposed despite previous government interventions. Residents of Maga expressed cautious optimism following Shaibu’s visit, saying they hoped the renewed military push would bring the ordeal to an end.
As troops expand search operations across the region’s dense forests, authorities have assured families that rescuing the abducted students remains a top national priority.
