DHQ probes troops’ withdrawal claim before Kebbi school abduction

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has begun investigating claims that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before terrorists abducted students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

Twenty-five students were kidnapped on November 17 in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area after the assailants killed the school’s Vice Principal.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the DHQ had taken note of comments by the Kebbi State Governor alleging that the attack occurred about 30 minutes after security personnel left the area.

Onoja said a thorough review had started to determine the exact circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movement at the time of the incident.

He explained that operational decisions are typically guided by intelligence reports and the broader security situation, but stressed that any discovered lapse would be promptly addressed.

He added that troops were acting on all actionable intelligence to secure the safe return of the abducted students, while working closely with state authorities, community leaders and other security agencies to enhance the protection of schools and vulnerable communities.

The DHQ also expressed deep concern over the Kebbi abduction and the earlier kidnapping of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Onoja condemned the attacks as “heinous acts” and reaffirmed that the Armed Forces are fully engaged in coordinated operations to rescue all victims.

He acknowledged rising public anxiety over worsening insecurity in parts of the North but assured that the military remains committed to restoring peace and stability across affected communities.