The Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to escalate search-and-rescue efforts for students abducted in Kebbi State.
RoundReports understood that the directive follows Monday’s attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga.
Bandits reportedly stormed the school in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, killing the vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, before abducting 25 students.
Shaibu arrived in Kebbi on Monday with senior officers from Army Headquarters, where he held an operational briefing with frontline commanders.
He urged troops to maintain unbroken day-and-night operations until every missing schoolgirl is found.
"You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children," he told the soldiers, stressing the need for intelligence-driven missions and swift, professional response to any credible tip-off.
"It has become a pattern that bandits target soft targets… and you can defeat them, can’t you?," he asked.
The army chief stated that total commitment was vital, reminding the troops that their actions were central not only to the military’s reputation but to the protection of vulnerable communities.
During the visit, Shaibu also held a separate meeting with local vigilantes and hunters who have been assisting security agencies in the area.
He called for deeper collaboration, insisting their invaluable knowledge of the forests and remote settlements where armed groups often operate.
"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," he said.
He urged them to "storm the nooks and crannies" of the terrain alongside soldiers, assuring them of continued military support.
"What these evil people are trying to do is to scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that," he added.
Earlier, Shaibu paid condolence visits to the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and to the principal of the attacked school, Rabi Magaji.
He reassured the army’s resolve to bring the abducted students home safely.
"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," he said.
READ ALSO: Air Force Officer Injured in Lagos Street Clash
Comments
Post a Comment