Army Chief Storms Kebbi, Orders Troops To ‘Go All Out’, Rescue Abducted Schoolgirls

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday stormed Maga community in Kebbi State, directing troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to go “all out” against the bandits who abducted students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

Addressing troops during his assessment visit, the Army Chief warned that bandits had developed a pattern of attacking soft targets, insisting that such tactics must be countered with superior strategy, intelligence, and relentless operations.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu ordered.

“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”

He urged troops to sustain 24-hour operations until all abducted students are rescued and safely reunited with their families.

Shaibu also held a separate meeting with local vigilantes and hunters working alongside security forces. He emphasized the crucial role of community collaboration, noting their deep familiarity with the terrain.

“If we have people like you, you are the ones who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests; you know where the criminals hide,” he said.

“Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”

He condemned the bandits’ intention to instill fear and disrupt education.

“What these evil people are trying to do is scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he added.
The Army Chief praised the vigilantes for their courage and assured them of continued military support.

Earlier, Shaibu visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the attacked school, Rabi Magaji, to offer condolences and solidarity.

Reaffirming the military’s resolve, he said: “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.”