The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday visited Maga community in Kebbi State, where 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) were abducted and the school’s vice-principal killed, directing troops to go “all out” in efforts to rescue the victims.

Addressing soldiers of Operation Fasan Yamma, Shaibu warned that bandits had adopted a pattern of targeting soft civilian and educational sites, stressing that such tactics must be countered with superior strategy, intelligence, and relentless operations.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu ordered.
“For the commanders here, leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. Act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”

The Army Chief urged 24-hour operations until all abducted students are rescued and safely reunited with their families. He also met with local vigilantes and hunters, highlighting the importance of community collaboration, noting their knowledge of the terrain could be crucial in tracking the criminals.

“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,” he said.

Shaibu condemned the bandits’ attempt to instill fear and disrupt education, asserting that the military would not allow such acts to succeed.

He also visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the school principal, Rabi Magaji, offering condolences and solidarity.

“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.

The visit underscores the military’s intensified efforts to curb abductions in northern Nigeria and reflects the growing collaboration between security forces and local communities in tackling banditry.