Army Chief Speaks On Plan To Rescue Kebbi School Girls

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to “leave no stone unturned” in the search-and-rescue operation for the schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State.

Naija News had earlier reported that gunmen on Monday killed the school’s Vice Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, before abducting 25 students in a night raid that shocked the state.

During a visit to Kebbi, Shaibu instructed soldiers to intensify both day and night operations until all abducted students are found.

“We must find these children,” he declared.

According to a counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, the army chief, arrived in the state with a team of principal staff officers from Army Headquarters.

He held an operational meeting with frontline commanders before addressing troops already deployed for the rescue effort.

Shaibu reminded officers that determination and swift action were non-negotiable.

He said, “You must continue day and night fighting.

“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. It has become a pattern that bandits target soft targets. If they know you are in a location, they will not come there. And if they face you, you can defeat them, can’t you?”

The COAS emphasised that responding promptly to intelligence was essential.

“This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly,” he added.

Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters assisting security forces in the operation.

Describing them as “indispensable partners,” he said their knowledge of the terrain was vital to successful counter-banditry missions.

He said, “If we have people like you, it is you who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests, and you are the ones to tell us where the criminals are.

“Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will also join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”

He insisted that the military would not allow criminals to terrorise schoolchildren.

“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 added.

Shaibu commended the vigilantes for their courage and assured them of continued military backing.

COAS Visits Community Leaders, School Authorities

Earlier, the army chief paid a condolence visit to Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, the traditional ruler of Danko, and Rabi Musa Magaji, the principal of GGCSS Maga.

He assured them of the military’s firm resolve to rescue the girls and restore calm to the community.

“We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely,” Shaibu said.