The Nigerian military says it is reviewing reports that soldiers were withdrawn from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shortly before bandits attacked and abducted 25 schoolgirls.
In a statement released on Sunday by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to The Telegraph, the military assured that it would take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence if the ongoing review identifies any lapses.
The statement followed calls by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for the military to determine who ordered the withdrawal of soldiers from the school. The DHQ noted, however, that all operational decisions are based on intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture of the region.
“Regarding the allegation made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school, the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim. In line with our standard procedures, a thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements in the area at the time of the incident,” the statement, signed by Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Michael Onoja, said.
“It is important to note that all operational decisions are based on intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture of the region. Nevertheless, if the ongoing review identifies any lapse or gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence.”
The DHQ condemned the abductions at Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, and said the Armed Forces are fully engaged in operations to secure the release of the kidnapped students and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the communities affected by these incidents. The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities,” the statement added.
Rescue effort a top priority
The DHQ further assured Nigerians that the rescue of the abducted students is a top priority, with troops actively pursuing actionable intelligence to ensure their safe return.
“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians regarding the recent increase in insecurity in parts of the North. We wish to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability across all affected communities,” the statement said.
Deadly attacks and growing concerns
The attacks come amid heightened insecurity. The Kebbi incident last week resulted in the death of the school’s vice principal, while more than 300 students were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State.
Governor Idris described the situation as unfortunate, noting that the government had received prior intelligence about a possible attack and convened a security meeting.
“As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting. The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school. The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., the incident occurred. Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern. We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said during a visit from Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero.
In response to the growing security concerns, the Federal Government ordered the closure of several Unity Schools nationwide, while some state governments also closed schools to prevent further abductions.
