By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday, November 23, said it had begun a review to determine the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movement before the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State in the early hours of Monday, November 17, by suspected bandits.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, explained that operational decisions were based on intelligence assessments and the broader security situation in the region.
Recall that Kebbi State governor, Nasir Idris, on Friday, November 23, questioned the withdrawal of troops from the school shortly before the abduction of 25 schoolgirls.
Idris said he was “deeply troubled” that security personnel pulled out of the school despite prior intelligence alerts provided by the state government.
The governor disclosed that soldiers reportedly left the school around 3:00 a.m. while the attackers struck less than 45 minutes later in the early hours of Monday, November 17.
He also noted that the withdrawal contradicted earlier assurances of enhanced protection for schools in vulnerable border communities frequently targeted by bandits.
Addressing the governor’s claims, Onoja noted that any lapse identified in the course of the review would be corrected immediately.
He said: “Regarding the allegation made by the governor of Kebbi State—that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school—the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim.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 procedure, a thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements in the area at the time of the incident.
“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 also expressed concern over the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction and the kidnapping of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
It said efforts were underway to rescue the students and apprehend the perpetrators, adding that troops were currently engaged in operations in the affected areas.
Onoja said: “The Defence Headquarters is deeply concerned about the unfortunate abduction of the 25 schoolgirls of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga (Danko-Wasagu LGA) of Kebbi State, and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri (Agwara LGA) of Niger State.
“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms. Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the communities affected. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the girls and the apprehension of the perpetrators.”
He assured Nigerians that rescuing the abducted students remained a top priority, saying that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability across all affected communities.
Onoja said, “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.
“We assure Nigerians that the rescue effort is a top priority, and our troops are actively on the ground pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.
“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.”
