The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, arrived in Birnin Kebbi on Friday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring him to immediately relocate to the state and coordinate the rescue of students abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.

Upon arrival, Matawalle headed straight into a closed-door meeting with senior security chiefs, including top Army officers, police commanders, and heads of federal security agencies. The high-level briefing focused on reviewing intelligence, strengthening inter-agency coordination, and fast-tracking the ongoing search-and-rescue operations.

Although the minister did not address journalists before entering the meeting, security insiders described the session as crucial to refining strategy and eliminating operational gaps.

A senior security official, who spoke anonymously, said, “The Minister’s arrival signals a more aggressive phase of the operation. The directive from Abuja is clear—everything must be done to bring those girls home safely. This meeting is about synchronising all agencies and resolving bottlenecks.”

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, welcomed the federal intervention, praising President Tinubu for the swift response.

“We appreciate the prompt attention of the Federal Government,” a statement from the governor’s office read. “What happened in Maga is unacceptable. We will continue working closely with security forces to ensure the safe return of our daughters.”

Meanwhile, parents and community leaders in Maga have intensified prayer gatherings, urging authorities to act quickly.

The abduction took place early Monday when armed bandits invaded the school, overwhelmed local security personnel, and kidnapped several students.

Following the attack, President Tinubu directed Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi and personally coordinate the rescue efforts with the military, police, and other security agencies.

Search operations have since widened to forest corridors linking Kebbi with neighbouring Zamfara and Niger States, combining aerial surveillance with ground troops in an effort to track the kidnappers’ movements.