This report contains details of insecurity and violence that some readers may find disturbing.
The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has launched a full-scale investigation into the sudden withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State — barely minutes before armed bandits abducted 26 students last week.
According to senior military insiders, all soldiers previously deployed to the school have been summoned to Abuja for questioning. The objective, officials say, is to uncover why the security post was vacated despite earlier intelligence warning of a possible attack.
A senior government official in Kebbi confirmed that the state authorities are awaiting clear answers from Abuja.
“The personnel who were stationed at the school have been summoned. We are monitoring the process, but the details remain with the Defence Headquarters,” the official said.
Another top military officer, who was not authorised to speak publicly, also confirmed that the probe now covers all personnel assigned to the school.
“Everyone attached to the location will face questioning. Anyone found culpable will be sanctioned,” he stated.
STATE GOVERNMENT DEMANDS ANSWERS
The Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said the state is not part of the interrogation process but expects a transparent outcome.
This investigation is entirely under Defense Headquarters. We await the findings and expect appropriate action,” he said.
Governor Nasir Idris had earlier raised alarm over what he called a disturbing pattern of military withdrawal shortly before attacks in both Kebbi and Niger states. He disclosed that the state received intelligence on an imminent assault and convened a security meeting where officials assured him that troops had been deployed.
However, the governor revealed that the troops withdrew around 3 a.m.—just 45 minutes before bandits stormed the school.
Who authorised the withdrawal? Why at such a critical time?” the governor asked, calling for a thorough inquiry.
DISTRICT HEAD QUESTIONS TIMING OF WITHDRAWAL
The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, expressed concern over the military’s actions, noting that security had been reinforced with police officers, army personnel, and vigilantes prior to the attack.
Up until now, these measures kept Maga safe. But around midnight I was told soldiers were still at their post only to learn they left by 1 a.m. We still don’t know who gave the order,” he said.
During the raid, one school staff member was killed, and 25 students were abducted. The timing and circumstances surrounding the troop withdrawal remain the central focus of the ongoing Defence Headquarters investigation.
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