A hostel at Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, Kebbi State, was the site where bandits abducted 25 students, killing the vice-principal in the attack.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Maga community in Kebbi State on Tuesday, instructing troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to go “all out” against the criminals who kidnapped students of Government Girls Secondary School, Maga.

While addressing the troops during his assessment tour, the Army Chief cautioned that bandits had adopted a pattern of targeting vulnerable locations, emphasizing that such strategies must be met with superior planning, intelligence, and relentless military operations.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu ordered.

“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”

He advised troops to sustain 24-hour operations until all abducted students are rescued and safely reunited with their families.

Shaibu also held a separate meeting with local vigilantes and hunters working alongside security forces. He emphasized the crucial role of community collaboration, noting their deep familiarity with the terrain.

“If we have people like you, you are the ones who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests; you know where the criminals hide,” he said.

“Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.”

He condemned the bandits’ intention to instill fear and disrupt education.

“What these evil people are trying to do is scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he added.

The Army Chief commended the vigilantes for their courage and assured them of continued military support.

Earlier, Shaibu visited the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the attacked school, Rabi Magaji, to offer condolences and solidarity.

Reiterating the military’s resolve, he said: “We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely.”