The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reacted strongly to the latest wave of school abductions in the North, condemning the kidnapping of female students in Kebbi and Niger States and vowing that the Armed Forces will not relent until the girls are safely rescued.
In a statement on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, described the abductions at GGCSS Maga in Danko-Wasagu LGA and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Agwara LGA as “heinous acts that violate every norm of humanity.” He assured the public that troops are already intensifying operations and chasing down leads to locate the victims.
The DHQ also addressed a claim by the Governor of Kebbi State that terrorists struck barely 30 minutes after troops allegedly withdrew from the school. According to Onoja, the military has initiated a full review to determine the facts, stressing that deployment decisions are driven by intelligence and the overall security situation. He added that if any gap is identified, corrective measures would be taken immediately.
The military high command reiterated its commitment to working with state governments and community stakeholders to reinforce security around schools, especially in vulnerable rural areas. “The rescue mission is a top operational priority,” the DHQ assured, noting that troops remain actively engaged across multiple fronts.
With concerns rising over insecurity in parts of the North, the DHQ urged Nigerians to remain calm, promising that the Armed Forces are determined to restore stability and deny criminal groups any freedom of action.
Abduction: DHQ Slams Attack on Schoolgirls, Probes Claim of Troop Pullout Before Kebbi Raid
