President Bola Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate, coordinated rescue operation for the 25 female students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
Armed men stormed the school in the early hours of Sunday, killing the vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who was reportedly shot while trying to protect the students. The attack, which occurred in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, has plunged the community into grief, with residents praising Makuku’s bravery and offering prayers in his honour.
Kebbi State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed that security operatives had begun an intensive manhunt for the attackers.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said on Monday that the president issued firm orders for a high-level rescue effort, stressing that the protection of citizens — especially schoolchildren — remains a primary duty of the state. He said all security and intelligence units have been tasked with locating and safely retrieving the abducted students while ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
Idris added that the federal government is strengthening joint security initiatives with ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force, alongside ongoing upgrades to Nigeria’s military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to better detect and respond to threats.
Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle also condemned the attack, describing it as intolerable. He urged security agencies to work swiftly and collaboratively to rescue the girls unharmed. Matawalle appealed for calm, assuring residents that government and security forces were fully engaged in resolving the situation. He extended condolences to the family of the slain vice principal and others affected by the tragedy.
