DHQ Probes Alleged Troop Withdrawal Before Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction
0
0
DHQ Probes Alleged Troop Withdrawal Before Kebbi Schoolgirls’ Abduction
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has begun a review of troop movements in Kebbi State following claims that soldiers were withdrawn from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before terrorists abducted 25 students.
In a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, the military said it was aware of the allegation made by the Kebbi State governor that the attackers struck about 30 minutes after troops left the school premises.
According to the DHQ, a thorough investigation is underway to establish what transpired before the incident.
READ ALSO: NIHOTOUR, NIMC Explore Partnership to Boost National Identity, Tourism
“In line with our standard procedure, a review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time of the incident,” the statement said.
The military noted that all operational decisions are guided by intelligence and wider security assessments in the region, but promised immediate corrective measures should any lapse be identified.
DHQ condemned the abduction in Kebbi and a similar incident at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara LGA of Niger State, describing both attacks as “heinous”.
“Our thoughts remain with the students, their families and the affected communities. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the girls and the apprehension of the perpetrators,” the statement added.
Amid rising insecurity in parts of the North, the DHQ reassured Nigerians of its commitment to restoring peace, saying troops were actively pursuing actionable intelligence to secure the release of the abducted students.
The military also pledged closer collaboration with state governments, community leaders and other security agencies to enhance protection around schools and vulnerable communities.
DHQ urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with security forces, stressing that community support remains essential to countering criminal activities and preventing similar incidents.
