Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction: DHQ Summons and Interrogates Soldiers in Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has summoned all military personnel previously stationed at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—where 26 schoolgirls were abducted on November 17—for questioning in Abuja, Frontline Reporters has gathered.
A senior government official confirmed that the military high command opened an investigation into the sudden withdrawal of soldiers from the school shortly before terrorists launched the attack that claimed the life of the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and led to the abduction of the students. Two of the abducted girls later escaped, leaving 24 in captivity until their release this week.
Governor Demands Probe
Outrage over the attack prompted Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, to demand a full investigation into why the soldiers abandoned their post despite earlier intelligence warnings that the school could be targeted.
After meeting with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the governor questioned the unexplained withdrawal, saying the state had acted on intelligence by deploying security personnel to the school.
The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, also disclosed that the soldiers left around 1am—barely an hour before the terrorists struck. According to him, the bandits operated freely for two hours because the police officers on ground were vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
Personnel Ordered to Abuja
A senior official told Frontline Reporters that the military personnel were summoned to Abuja on Monday for interrogation. The troops were reportedly drawn from the Army Barracks in Zuru.
Security sources confirmed the development, noting that both military and police responses during the incident are under review. A top military officer said the probe aims to determine what went wrong and ensure accountability, stressing that anyone found culpable will face sanctions.
Efforts to reach the Defence Headquarters spokesman, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, were unsuccessful, while the Kebbi State Government said it awaits the outcome of the investigation.
How the Girls Were Freed
Sources revealed that although the military attempted a rescue, the operation was unsuccessful, leading the Federal Government to enter negotiations with the abductors.
The girls were eventually released near the Zamfara–Kebbi border after intensified pressure from security operatives, who had monitored the hideout and restricted the bandits’ movements with aerial and ground assets.
A viral video also showed a bandit leader claiming their release followed negotiations.
Parents Vow to Keep Children in School
Despite the trauma, parents of the rescued girls say they are determined not to allow the attack to disrupt their children’s education.
One parent, Mallam Ibrahim Naibi, said the incident strengthened his resolve to keep his children in school. Another, Abubakar Jibrin, stressed that the community remains committed to educating its daughters.
“If we educate our children, our tomorrow is secured,” said Alhaji Sani Jimri, noting that the community sees education as its path to progress.
Another father, Mallam Abubakar, recounted the distress of receiving no communication while the children were held captive, describing the silence as “torture.”
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