Army chief to troops in Kebbi: You must fight day and night to rescue schoolgirls

Waidi Shaibu, chief of army staff (COAS), has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search-and-rescue operation for abducted students.

The pupils were kidnapped on Monday from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in Kebbi.

The gunmen killed Hassan Yakubu Makuku, the vice principal, and abducted 25 students during the attack.

Speaking during a visit to the state, Shaibu ordered the soldiers to intensify day and night operations until all the abducted schoolgirls are safely rescued.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, the army chief arrived the state with a delegation of principal staff officers from army headquarters.

He held an operational meeting with frontline commanders in Kebbi before addressing troops deployed in the search effort.

Shaibu reminded officers and soldiers that a ruthless determination to succeed is essential.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” he said.

“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. It has become a pattern that bandits target soft targets. If they know you are in a location, they will not come there or face you in a fight and you can defeat them, can’t you?

“You must have all the commitment to make sure you succeed. Once you receive intelligence of something of this nature, you must act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”

The army chief also held a separate engagement with local vigilantes and hunters supporting the operation.

He emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration, describing them as indispensable partners due to their deep knowledge of the terrain.

“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.

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

“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 commended the vigilantes for their courage and contributions, assuring them of the military’s full support.

Earlier, Shaibu paid a sympathy visit to Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, traditional ruler of Danko, and Rabi Musa Magaji, principal of the attacked school.

During the visit, he assured the monarch and the school authorities of the military’s unwavering resolve to rescue the girls unharmed.

“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,” the COAS said.