Joint Police and Military Teams Deployed as Rescue Operation Begins for Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls.

Tension grips the Maga community in Kebbi State following a deadly pre-dawn attack by terrorists on the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The attackers reportedly abducted 25 students and killed one staff member. According to a statement issued Monday by Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the armed individuals invaded the school around 4:00 am, opening fire as they forced entry. Although police tactical units engaged the bandits in a gun duel, the PPRO confirmed the suspects “had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination.” Kotarkoshi identified the deceased staff member as Hassan Makuku and reported that another staff member, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand.

Following the attack, Abubakar reported that the command swiftly deployed additional police tactical squads, alongside military personnel and local vigilantes, to track the terrorists’ movements and rescue the abducted girls.

He confirmed that these joint forces “are currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students and possibly arresting the perpetrators of the dastardly act.” He added that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Bello M. Sani, has since reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state.

PPRO Abubakar concluded by relaying the Commissioner’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kebbi State, urging the public to “remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability.” Meanwhile, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, confirmed the incident, noting that the state government is closely monitoring developments and verifying the exact number of abducted students. Deputy Governor Senator Umar Tafida was dispatched to the school to assess the situation for Governor Nasir Idris, who is currently away.

Idris assured residents that the government is collaborating closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the students and restore normalcy. In the Maga community, parents and residents remain in anguish, awaiting updates on the girls’ fate. The incident recalls the June 2021 abduction of students from Federal Government Girls College, Birnin Yauri, Kebbi State.