COAS storms Kebbi, rallies troops for swift rescue of abducted students By Jamil Gulma, Kebbi

COAS storms Kebbi, rallies troops for swift rescue of abducted students

By Jamil Gulma, Kebbi

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to scale up their offensive and intelligence operations to secure the release of schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

He gave the directive on Monday, 17 November 2025, during an operational visit to the state.

Addressing frontline commanders and troops, General Shaibu charged them to adopt intelligence-led strategies, maintain aggressive momentum, and sustain round-the-clock pursuit of the criminal elements responsible for the abduction.

“We must find these children,” he declared.

“Act decisively and professionally on every credible intelligence.

Success is not optional.”, he stated.

The Army Chief also held a strategic engagement with vigilante groups and local hunters, describing them as indispensable partners in the rescue operation.

He urged them to maximise their mastery of the terrain and work closely with the military to track down the abductors.

“Together, we will restore peace and ensure our children can return to school without fear,” he assured.

Earlier in the day, the COAS paid separate condolence visits to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji.

He expressed the military’s unwavering commitment to rescuing the students safely and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

General Shaibu further encouraged troops to remain steadfast, disciplined, and professional, urging them to operate strictly within the rules of engagement while remaining resolute in their mission to stabilise Kebbi State and neighbouring communities.