Nigeria’s military leadership has launched a review into the alleged withdrawal of soldiers from a school in Kebbi State shortly before suspected terrorists abducted dozens of students.
The Defence Headquarters expressed worry over the attack in a statement on Sunday, saying it was “deeply concerned” about the abduction of 25 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi, alongside the kidnapping of children from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
Major General Michael Onoja, who signed the statement, condemned the crime “in strong terms” and reassured affected families that troops were fully engaged in operations aimed at securing the safe return of the children and arresting the perpetrators.
The statement acknowledged comments by Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, who suggested that terrorists struck just half an hour after troops were reportedly withdrawn from the school. Onoja said a comprehensive review was now underway to determine what happened and whether any operational lapses occurred.
“All decisions are based on intelligence and the broader security framework,” the statement read. “However, if any gaps are found, corrective action will be taken immediately.”
The military pledged closer coordination with state authorities, community leaders and other security agencies to bolster protection for schools and vulnerable communities across the region.
