Nigeria’s military authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into allegations that security personnel pulled out shortly before terrorists stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, abducting 25 students.
The incident, which occurred on November 17 in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, has intensified public scrutiny, especially after Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris suggested the attackers struck barely half an hour after troops reportedly left their post.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military was examining every detail surrounding the deployment pattern on the day of the attack.
He explained that operational movements are usually guided by intelligence assessments, stressing that any shortcomings discovered would be addressed without delay.
Maj.-Gen. Onoja noted that the Armed Forces were already adjusting tactics in the region. “If there was any gap in procedure, it would not be swept aside.
We are reviewing the timeline comprehensively,” he said, adding that decisions around troop positioning “must always reflect the evolving realities on the ground.”
He assured families of the abducted girls that search operations were active across multiple fronts.
“We are acting on every credible lead to bring these children home safely. Our troops are coordinating with local authorities and community networks to tighten security around schools and other exposed areas,” he explained.
The Defence Headquarters also expressed concern over a similar abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, describing the repeated attacks on students as “deliberate assaults on the nation’s future.”
According to Onoja, joint-task operations involving the military, police, and other agencies are underway across the North-West and North-Central regions.
He emphasised the military’s commitment to stabilising affected communities. “People are rightly worried about the surge in attacks, but we are intensifying efforts.
“Our priority is to restore confidence and ensure these criminal elements have no safe haven,” he stated.
Security analysts say the probe into troop movement in Kebbi is likely to shape future deployment protocols. As a Kaduna-based analyst said, “This investigation could redefine how the military secures schools in high-risk areas because the stakes have never been higher.”
The situation remains fluid, with rescue efforts ongoing and pressure mounting on authorities to prevent further breaches.