COAS Orders Intensified Rescue Operations for Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to ramp up efforts toward the immediate rescue 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 visit to the state, where he met with frontline commanders and soldiers. He urged them to pursue the perpetrators with sustained, intelligence-led operations and maintain unbroken pressure until the students are safely recovered.

“We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” the Army Chief charged.

As part of the operational push, Gen. Shaibu also held a strategic engagement with local vigilante groups and hunters, describing them as indispensable partners. He encouraged them to work closely with the military, using their deep knowledge of the terrain to help track down the abductors. “Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the COAS visited the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, to condole with them and reassure the community of the Army’s commitment to securing the release of the missing schoolgirls unharmed.

Gen. Shaibu further urged troops to remain professional and disciplined, stressing adherence to the rules of engagement while maintaining resilience and focus in restoring peace across Kebbi State and nearby areas.