DHQ probes Troop withdrawal claim before Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has launched an investigation into allegations that military personnel were withdrawn shortly before terrorists abducted students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.

Twenty-five students were abducted during the 17 November attack in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, during which the Vice Principal was killed.

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the military had taken note of the claim made by the Kebbi State Governor that the assailants struck approximately 30 minutes after security personnel were allegedly withdrawn.

Onoja said the Armed Forces had begun a detailed review of troop deployment and movement records to determine what transpired before the incident.

According to him, military deployments are guided by intelligence assessments and broader security considerations, but any lapse uncovered in the course of the investigation would be addressed promptly.

“A thorough review is underway to establish the actual circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time,” he said.

“Operational decisions are based on intelligence and the wider security picture, but any identified lapse will attract immediate corrective action.”

He added that troops were actively following all credible leads to secure the release of the abducted schoolgirls and were working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to improve the protection of schools and vulnerable communities.

Onoja also expressed concern over the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi and the earlier kidnapping at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

Describing the kidnappings as “heinous acts,” he said the military remained fully engaged in coordinated operations aimed at rescuing the victims and stabilising communities affected by rising insecurity in parts of the North.

The DHQ assured the public that the Armed Forces were committed to restoring peace and responding decisively to emerging threats.