Army Chief Visits Kebbi, Commands Troops to Intensify Search for Abducted Schoolgirls
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to escalate their search-and-rescue efforts for students kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The directive came on Monday, 17 November 2025, during his operational assessment tour of the area.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu, while addressing commanders and frontline personnel, called for intelligence-driven operations and sustained pressure on the abductors. He urged troops to maintain both day and night pursuit, stressing that the mission must be treated with utmost urgency. “We must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional,” he charged.
During the visit, the COAS also met with local vigilante groups and hunters, commending their ongoing support and describing them as “critical partners” in the security response. He encouraged them to continue working closely with the military, leveraging their in-depth knowledge of the terrain to track criminal hideouts and aid in locating the missing students.
Gen. Shaibu further paid condolence visits to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji. He reassured them that the military remains fully committed to rescuing the girls and returning them safely to their families.
He urged troops to remain disciplined, professional, and unwavering in their duties, reiterating the necessity of adhering to the rules of engagement while working tirelessly to restore peace to Kebbi State and surrounding communities.
The statement was issued by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YANMA, on 18 November 2025.
