By John Umeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a firm directive to Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to launch an immediate operation for the safe rescue of the 25 female students abducted from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when armed bandits invaded the school premises, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, and injuring a security guard, Ali Shehu, who sustained gunshot wounds to his right hand.
Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Nafi’u Kotarkoshi, confirmed the attack and disclosed that a coordinated manhunt for the perpetrators is already underway.
In an official statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu condemned the kidnapping and described it as a “cowardly assault on innocent children and those dedicated to educating them.”
According to the minister, the President reaffirmed that the protection of Nigerian citizens—especially schoolchildren—remains a non-negotiable duty of the Federal Government. He noted that the President has given “clear and decisive instructions” to security agencies to track down the attackers and ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.
“The government strongly condemns this reprehensible attack,” Idris stated. “President Tinubu has mandated all relevant security and intelligence units to locate the missing students and ensure their immediate rescue. The perpetrators must face justice without delay.”
Idris further assured Nigerians that internal security remains a top priority for the administration. He highlighted that the government is currently strengthening military, policing, and intelligence capabilities to better prevent such incidents and to respond more swiftly when they occur.
In addition to domestic efforts, Nigeria is also expanding regional security cooperation through ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to tighten border security and dismantle terrorist and criminal networks operating across West Africa.
The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm and confident, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to bring the situation under control and safely reunite the abducted schoolgirls with their families.
