By Kingsley Omonobi
In a decisive show of military resolve, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, personally visited Maga community in Kebbi State on Tuesday to oversee operations following the recent abduction of students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga. During his visit, General Shaibu directed troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to go “all out” against the bandits, underscoring the urgency of rescuing the abducted girls.
Addressing the troops on the ground, the Army Chief warned that bandits had increasingly targeted soft civilian areas, particularly schools, as part of a deliberate strategy to instill fear. He stressed that such tactics must be countered with superior strategy, intelligence, and sustained military operations.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” General Shaibu asserted, emphasizing that the operation is not only about maintaining the military’s image but fulfilling their core duty of protecting citizens.
He further instructed commanders to maximize the use of intelligence in planning missions. “Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively,” he added. “This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
The Army Chief called for continuous 24-hour operations until all abducted students are safely recovered and reunited with their families, signaling a no-compromise approach against the perpetrators.
Recognizing the vital role of local knowledge, General Shaibu held a separate meeting with vigilantes and local hunters who have been assisting security forces. He highlighted their intimate understanding of the terrain as a key asset in tracking and apprehending the bandits.
“If we have people like you, you are the ones who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests; you know where the criminals hide,” he said. He urged the hunters to actively participate in combing the forests, with soldiers joining their efforts, reinforcing the need for community-military collaboration to restore lasting peace.
Condemning the bandits’ attempt to disrupt education and instill fear among children, General Shaibu vowed that the military would not allow such intimidation to succeed. “What these evil people are trying to do is scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he said.
Earlier in the day, the COAS visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the attacked school, Rabi Magaji, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with the affected families. He praised the courage of local vigilantes and assured them of continued military support in the fight against banditry.
Reaffirming the military’s commitment, General Shaibu concluded: “We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely.”
This high-profile visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s determination to combine intelligence, community collaboration, and relentless operations to protect citizens, restore peace, and safeguard education in regions threatened by banditry.