In the search and rescue effort for the schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu region of Kebbi State, troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have been instructed by Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu to “leave no stone unturned.”
It was previously stated that in a shocking nighttime raid on Monday, gunmen killed Hassan Yakubu Makuku, the school’s vice principal, before kidnapping twenty-five kids.
Shaibu gave the order for soldiers to step up daytime and nighttime operations until all kidnapped students were located while in Kebbi.
“We have to locate these kids,” he said.
The army chief, Zagazola Makama, traveled to the state with a group of major staff officers from Army Headquarters, according to a counter-insurgency publication.
Before speaking to soldiers who had already been sent to the rescue mission, he had an operational conference with frontline commanders.
Officers were reminded by Shaibu that decisiveness and prompt action were essential.
“You have to keep fighting day and night,” he declared.
In order to carry out intelligence-based missions, the commanders here must use intelligence. Bandits now frequently target vulnerable people. They won’t go somewhere if they are aware that you are there. And you can defeat them if they confront you, right?
The COAS emphasized how crucial it was to react quickly to intelligence.
“This is about doing our job properly; it’s not just about our image,” he continued.
Additionally, Shaibu spoke with local hunters and vigilantes who were supporting security personnel during the operation.
He called them “indispensable partners” and stated that their familiarity with the area was essential to the success of counter-banditry operations.
“If we have people like you, you will work with us and provide local intelligence,” he declared. You are the ones who can tell us where the offenders are since you are familiar with these woodlands.
“Your hunters ought to invade every corner of these woods. You will be joined by soldiers as well. We rely on you to cooperate with us in order to establish enduring peace.
He was adamant that the military would not permit criminals to intimidate students.
“These wicked folks are attempting to frighten kids out of attending school. Tell every male that we won’t tolerate that,” he continued.
Shaibu promised the vigilantes that the military will continue to support them and praised their bravery.
COAS Visits School Authorities and Community Leaders
The army chief had earlier visited Rabi Musa Magaji, the principal of GGCSS Maga, and Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, the traditional ruler of Danko, to offer condolences.
He reassured them of the military’s unwavering commitment to saving the girls and bringing peace back to the neighborhood.
“We are really dedicated. We won’t give up. We are using every resource to make sure these kids return home securely because their safety is a national priority,” Shaibu stated.
