President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate manhunt for the gunmen who abducted 25 female students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSSS), Maga, in Kebbi State.
Gunmen stormed the school in the early hours of Sunday, k!lling Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku, who was shot while attempting to protect the students from the attackers. The assailants then whisked away the schoolgirls, throwing the entire Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area into deep mourning.
Kebbi State Police Command spokesman, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed that security operatives have begun an intensive manhunt for the perpetrators.
Tinubu Orders High-Level Rescue Operation
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced that the President has issued strict instructions for a coordinated rescue mission.
“President Tinubu has reiterated that protecting every Nigerian, especially schoolchildren, remains a solemn responsibility of the State,” he said.
“Security and intelligence agencies have been issued clear directives to locate, rescue, and safely return the pupils, and to ensure that the perpetrators face justice.”
The Minister assured that the Federal Government remains fully committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls.
FG Strengthens Regional Security Collaboration
Idris added that Nigeria is intensifying collaboration with ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to secure borders and dismantle terrorist cells across the region.
He further revealed ongoing efforts to “recalibrate the nation’s military, policing and intelligence capabilities” to prevent future attacks and improve rapid response strategies.
Defence Ministry Condemns Attack
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, also condemned the attack, describing it as unacceptable.
He noted that President Tinubu has ordered all security formations to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safe release of the abducted students.
“Residents should remain calm and go about their normal activities while government and security agencies address the situation,” he said.
Matawalle extended condolences to the family of the slain vice principal and all those affected by the tragedy.
