The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to step up efforts to secure the release of students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Gen. Shaibu issued the directive on Monday, 17 November 2025, during an operational tour of the state, where he met with frontline commanders and troops. He urged them to pursue intelligence-driven operations and maintain relentless pressure on the abductors.
“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” he charged.
The Army Chief also engaged local vigilantes and hunters, describing them as vital partners in the mission. He encouraged them to use their knowledge of the terrain to support military operations aimed at locating and neutralizing criminal elements.
“Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he emphasized.
Earlier in the day, Gen. Shaibu paid condolence visits to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji. He assured them of the military’s unwavering commitment to rescuing the abducted students unharmed.
He further enjoined troops to remain resilient and professional, stressing the importance of discipline and adherence to the rules of engagement while working to restore peace in Kebbi State and surrounding areas.
The abduction of the schoolgirls has sparked widespread concern, drawing parallels to past mass kidnappings in Nigeria and intensifying calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and vulnerable communities.