DHQ to Probe Troop Withdrawal Allegation After Kebbi School Abduction
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that it is conducting a thorough review of troop deployment procedures in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, following the abduction of students from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga.
The move is in direct response to an allegation made by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, who claimed that troops were withdrawn from the school site approximately 30 minutes before the bandits struck.
Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, released a statement on Sunday, expressing deep concern over the recent mass abductions:
25 schoolgirls were abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga (Danko-Wasagu LGA).
* Niger State: The number of abducted students and pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri (Agwara LGA), has risen to 303, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
General Onoja condemned the “heinous act” and assured the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) are fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the students and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
The core of the DHQ’s statement addressed the Governor’s critical claim regarding troop withdrawal:
“Regarding the allegation made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim.”
General Onoja explained that, in line with standard procedure, the review is underway to ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time of the incident. He noted that operational decisions are typically based on intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture of the region.
Commitment to Corrective Action:
“Nevertheless, if the ongoing review identifies any lapse or gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence.”
The DHQ emphasized that rescuing the abducted students remains a top priority and that troops are actively pursuing all actionable intelligence on the ground.
