Gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing a vice principal and abducting 25 students, prompting an intensified rescue operation led by the Nigerian Army. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, claimed the life of the vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and left a security guard injured as the assailants forced their way into the school compound.
In response, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, deployed to Kebbi with senior officers from Army Headquarters to oversee the rescue mission. After meeting frontline commanders, he ordered troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to escalate their search efforts and maintain continuous, intelligence-driven operations until all the abducted schoolgirls are safely recovered. Shaibu stressed the importance of rapid response, professionalism, and decisive action whenever intelligence on bandit movements is received.
The army chief also held a separate session with local vigilantes and hunters assisting security forces. He highlighted their vital role, noting that their knowledge of the forests and escape routes could significantly aid the mission. Shaibu urged them to work closely with troops to track down the criminals, assuring them of the military’s full backing.
During his visit, Shaibu paid condolence visits to the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the school’s principal, Rabi Magaji, reaffirming the military’s commitment to rescuing the students unharmed. He described the attack as an attempt to intimidate communities and disrupt education but vowed that the military would not allow such acts to deter children from attending school.
Maj. Gen. Shaibu stated that the rescue of the students is a national priority and promised that every necessary resource is being deployed to ensure their safe return.
