The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it is investigating claims that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before terrorists kidnapped students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
25 students were abducted on November 17 in Danko-Wasagu local government, and the school’s Vice Principal was killed.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, said in a Sunday statement that DHQ noted the Kebbi State Governor’s claim that the attackers struck about 30 minutes after security personnel left the area.
Why DHQ is probing it
Onoja said the military is carrying out a full review to determine what actually happened with troop deployment and movement at the time.
He explained that deployment decisions are based on intelligence and the wider security situation, but added that any lapse found will be corrected immediately.
According to him, troops are following all credible intelligence to rescue the abducted students and are working with the state government, community leaders and other security agencies to improve protection for schools and vulnerable areas.
He said DHQ is also worried about the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and those taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, calling the attacks heinous acts.
Onoja said the military understands the public’s concerns over rising insecurity in some northern states and promised that the Armed Forces remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability.
