Soldiers injured, as bandits ambush Kebbi Schoolgirls rescue operation. By Abibu Shehu Ibrahim

Soldiers injured, as bandits ambush Kebbi Schoolgirls rescue operation

Troops deployed to rescue abducted female students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, have come under a violent ambush by terrorists, leaving several soldiers with serious gunshot wounds.

The attack occurred less than 24 hours after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, vowed to rescue the abductees.

The COAS had directed troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to go “all out” against the bandits, stressing that the mission to recover the girls was urgent.

General Shaibu urged troops to operate round the clock and rely on intelligence to ensure a safe rescue.

“Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly,” he stated.

A video circulating among select journalists shows injured soldiers lying on the ground, awaiting medical attention. One soldier, speaking in Hausa, said: “Musa has a bullet lodged in his leg. His condition is very bad.”

The operational vehicle used by the troops was also riddled with bullet holes during the ambush.

Security forces are continuing efforts to rescue the schoolgirls while attending to the wounded soldiers. Details about casualties on the side of the terrorists remain unconfirmed.

However, the raid on the schoolgirls’ hostel reportedly claimed the life of the school’s Vice Principal.