Tinubu vows rescue of Kebbi schoolgirls, mourns fallen soldiers
Tinubu and Service Chiefs
*COAS orders troops to intensify rescue operation
President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the government and families of kidnapped schoolgirls and assure them of their safe return.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Tuesday in Abuja, the President also consoled the military over the death of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba and other soldiers killed in Borno.
Tinubu expressed sadness over the abduction of the students in spite of intelligence warnings about possible bandit attacks.
He commended Gov. Nasir Idris for efforts made to avert the incident.
The president urged communities, especially in security-challenged areas, to share information with the military, police and DSS to enhance safety.
He said security forces cannot operate optimally without the active cooperation of citizens and local communities.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty.
”May God comfort the families of Brig.- Gen. Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.
“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi,” he directed.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the safe release of the abducted schoolgirls.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts in securing the release of students abducted from school in Kebbi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that suspected bandits had on Monday abducted 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
The bandits also killed the vice principal of the school during the attack.
The Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Capt. David Adewusi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the COAS gave the directive during an operational tour to the state on Monday.
Addressing frontline commanders and troops, Shaibu charged them to conduct intelligence-driven operations and maintain relentless day-and-night pursuit of the abductors.
He said “we must find these children. Act decisively and professionally on all intelligence. Success is not optional.”
The COAS also engaged local vigilance groups and hunters, describing them as critical partners in the operation.
He urged them to leverage their knowledge of the terrain in collaboration with troops to locate and neutralise criminal elements.
“Together, we will restore peace and ensure children can attend school safely,” he added.
During a condolence visit to the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Allaje, and the Principal of GGCSS Maga, Hajiya Rabi Magaji, the COAS assured them of the military’s unwavering commitment to rescuing the abducted students unharmed.
He enjoined troops to remain resilient and professional, urging them to act within the rules of engagement while remaining responsive, disciplined, and resolute in restoring peace to Kebbi State and surrounding areas.
