Military Launches Probe Into Alleged Troop Withdrawal Before Kebbi School Abduction

T The Nigerian military has opened a full-scale investigation into claims that troops assigned to secure Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State were withdrawn shortly before last week’s abduction of students.

The Defence Headquarters confirmed that it is reviewing all movements and deployment patterns to determine what transpired before the attackers struck. It also disclosed that intensified military operations were underway to rescue the abducted students.

No fewer than 25 students were abducted from the Kebbi school, while 215 pupils and students were also taken from St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State in a separate attack.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State had alleged that security operatives left the school about 30 minutes before the attack, demanding clarification from the military.

Responding on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the Defence Headquarters was aware of the governor’s allegation and had initiated a formal review.

“Regarding the allegation… 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,” he said.

He added that operational decisions are guided by intelligence assessments but assured that any identified lapses would be promptly addressed.

Maj.-Gen. Onoja reaffirmed that rescuing the abducted students remained a top priority as troops followed all credible intelligence leads.