Kebbi Abduction: Army, Police Hunt 25 Schoolgirls Taken by Bandits
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have been instructed to fight “day and night” until the 25 schoolgirls abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, are safely rescued.
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, issued the directive during a visit to the affected community, PulseNets learnt. In a video obtained by PulseNets, Shaibu addressed commanders and troops, stressing the need for superior strategy and intelligence against bandits.
“We will continue to fight day and night until we find these students,” he told PulseNets.
He further urged the troops to leverage intelligence in conducting the rescue. “Bandits have a habit of preying on soft targets. If you position yourselves strategically, you can prevent them from striking or confront them decisively. I am asking you to make this happen,” Shaibu reportedly said.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed that at least 25 students were abducted during the early Monday morning raid on the school. PulseNets learnt that the attackers, heavily armed, stormed the school around 4:00 am, engaging police officers in a gun battle.
Despite the resistance, the bandits scaled the perimeter fence and forcefully removed the girls from their hostel. Police spokesperson, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi, told PulseNets that one staff member, identified as Hassan Makuku, was killed, while another, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to the right hand.
Following the attack, Commissioner of Police Bello Muhammad Sani deployed additional tactical units, alongside soldiers and vigilante groups, to intensify search and rescue operations. PulseNets learnt that the joint security team is combing nearby forests and suspected escape routes to track the kidnappers.
Sani reportedly urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property.
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Residents told PulseNets that the abductors struck while students were preparing for their morning routines, shooting sporadically and causing widespread panic. Although several girls were taken, locals believe the attackers “have not gone far” and are calling on both federal and state authorities to act swiftly.
The abduction has reignited concerns over insecurity in northern Nigeria, highlighting the persistent threat of armed groups targeting schools and young female students.
