The Defence Headquarters has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
The military condemned the attacks as “heinous and unacceptable,” assuring Nigerians that the safe rescue of the victims remains a top national priority.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, said in a statement that troops are fully engaged in coordinated operations aimed at locating the abducted students and apprehending the perpetrators. “Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the affected communities. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure their safe rescue,” he said.
Responding to comments by the Kebbi State Governor that terrorists struck the school barely 30 minutes after troops were reportedly withdrawn, Onoja confirmed that the Defence Headquarters is reviewing the circumstances surrounding troop movements at the time.
“A thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding deployment in the area,” he said, adding that operational decisions are always based on intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture.
He stressed that any lapse uncovered in the ongoing review will attract immediate corrective action to prevent future breaches. “If the review identifies any gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action,” Onoja stated.
The Defence Headquarters also pledged closer collaboration with state governments, community leaders, and security agencies to strengthen security around schools and vulnerable communities. Onoja reassured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace, particularly amid rising insecurity in parts of the North.
“Our troops are actively on the ground pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students,” he said.
