Operation FANSAN YANMA troops have been instructed by Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu to “leave no stone unturned” in their search and rescue efforts for the schoolgirls kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko/Wasagu region of Kebbi State.
It had previously stated that gunmen killed Hassan Yakubu Makuku, the school’s vice principal, on Monday before kidnapping 25 pupils in a state-shaking nighttime attack.
While in Kebbi, Shaibu gave the order for soldiers to step up day and night efforts until all kidnapped students were located.
“These kids need to be located,” he said.
A counter-insurgency newspaper claims that army head Zagazola Makama traveled to the state with a group of important staff members from Army Headquarters.
Before speaking to soldiers who had already been deployed for the rescue attempt, he convened an operational conference with frontline commanders.
Officers were told by Shaibu that they had to act decisively and quickly.
“You have to fight day and night,” he declared.
The commanders here must use intelligence to carry out intelligence-based operations. Bandits have developed a habit of focusing on weak targets. They won’t visit a place if they know you are there. And you’re capable of defeating them if they confront you, right?
The COAS emphasized how important it was to react quickly to intelligence.
“Doing our job correctly is more important than just maintaining our reputation,” he continued.
Additionally, Shaibu spoke with local hunters and vigilantes who were supporting the security forces during the operation.
He called them “indispensable partners” and claimed that their familiarity with the area was essential to the success of counter-banditry operations.
“You will work with us and provide local intelligence if we have people like you,” he declared. You are the ones who can inform us where the culprits are since you are familiar with these forests.
“Your hunters ought to storm these woodlands’ crevices. Soldiers will accompany you as well. We need your cooperation to bring about enduring peace.
He maintained that criminals would not be permitted to intimidate students by the military.
“The goal of these wicked individuals is to frighten kids into skipping school. He continued, “Let every man know that we will not permit that.
Shaibu praised the vigilantes for their bravery and promised to support them militarily going forward.
Community Leaders and School Authorities Visited by COAS
Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, the traditional ruler of Danko, and Rabi Musa Magaji, the principal of GGCSS Maga, received condolences from the army chief earlier.
He reassured them that the military was determined to save the girls and bring peace back to the neighborhood.
“We have given it our all. We refuse to give up. We are using every effort to make sure these kids return home securely because their safety is a national priority, Shaibu stated.
