The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Monday visited Kebbi State and ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts to rescue students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The directive follows a Sunday night attack in which bandits killed the school’s vice principal, Malami Hassan Yakubu Makuku, abducted 25 students, and left several others injured as they fled in panic.
Shaibu, who arrived in the state with a team of Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, met with frontline commanders before addressing the troops deployed for the operation.
He issued firm instructions for sustained, round-the-clock operations until all abducted students are safely recovered.
“You must continue fighting day and night. We must find these children,” he told the soldiers. “Rely on intelligence-led missions. Bandits strike soft targets; when they know you are present, they stay away. You can defeat them.”
The Army Chief stressed professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.
“Once you receive intelligence of this nature, act decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly,” he added.
Shaibu also held discussions with local vigilante groups and hunters supporting the mission, commending their knowledge of the terrain and urging them to intensify search operations in forested areas.
“Scour every nook and cranny of these forests. Soldiers will work alongside you. These criminals want to scare children away from school; we will not allow that,” he said.
Earlier, the Army Chief visited the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the school’s principal, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, assuring them of the military’s commitment to rescuing the girls.
“The safety of these children is a national priority, and every necessary resource is being deployed to ensure their safe return,” he stated.
Hajiya Rabi expressed gratitude, saying the visit renewed hope among staff and parents.
“Your presence has given us confidence. With this level of commitment, our girls will return soon,” she said.
The abduction has sparked nationwide concern and triggered a reinforced military response involving both ground and aerial assets under Operation FANSAN YANMA.
Security sources confirmed that troops, supported by surveillance platforms, have widened search corridors across forests in Danko/Wasagu and adjoining areas.