Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed troops under Operation FANSAN YANMA to escalate search-and-rescue operations for students abducted in Kebbi State.
According to counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama, the army chief arrived in Kebbi on Monday alongside key principal staff officers from Army Headquarters. He held an operational briefing with frontline commanders before charging troops to maintain continuous, intelligence-driven operations until all abducted schoolgirls are rescued.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu told the soldiers, stressing that discipline, rapid response to intelligence and unwavering commitment were critical to success. He urged commanders to prioritise intelligence-led missions, noting that bandits deliberately target soft spots to avoid direct confrontation.
Shaibu also met with local vigilantes and hunters supporting security forces, emphasising tighter collaboration due to their familiarity with the terrain. He encouraged them to intensify their patrols across the forests while assuring them of the military’s backing.
“What these evil people are trying to do is to scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he said.
Earlier, the COAS visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the affected school, Rabi Magaji, where he restated the army’s commitment to securing the girls’ safe return.
“We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority,” he said.
