The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it is urgently investigating the allegation that troops were withdrawn from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, just 30 minutes before terrorists abducted 25 schoolgirls.
In a statement on Sunday, DHQ said it is “deeply concerned” by both the abduction and the allegation, stressing that a thorough review of troop deployment and movement in the area is already underway to establish what transpired before the attack.
The FactDaily recalls that Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, had on Thursday, while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state,, demanded explanations from military authorities over the withdrawal of troops from the school shortly before dozens of schoolgirls were abducted in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area. He had said he was “deeply troubled” that security personnel pulled out of the school despite prior intelligence alerts provided by the state government.
According to the governor, soldiers reportedly left the school around 3am while the attackers struck less than 45 minutes later.
The abduction, which also affected students of St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Niger State, has sparked widespread outrage and questions over security lapses. DHQ said it “condemns the heinous act in the strongest terms,” assuring that rescue operations are ongoing and troops are actively pursuing all credible leads.
DHQ noted that all operational decisions are typically based on intelligence assessments, but emphasized that if the ongoing investigation uncovers any lapse, immediate corrective measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.
The military further assured that it is working closely with state authorities and other security agencies to reinforce protection around schools and vulnerable communities, especially in areas recently experiencing heightened insecurity.
“The rescue effort remains a top priority,” the statement noted, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to restoring peace and stability across affected parts of the North.
