WorldStage– Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has directed security forces, including the existing Operation FANSAN YAMAN, to conduct a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation for the 25 girls recently kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The operation, which is currently underway, involves a combined team of police tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes immediately launched to coordinate search and rescue operation in the suspected escape routes and surrounding forests of the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.
Armed bandits attacked the school in the early hours of November 17, 2025, killing the Vice Principal and abducting 25 students.
President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned the attack and issued clear directives to all security and intelligence agencies to ensure the safe return of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.
This ongoing military operation in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, which has previously conducted successful rescue missions and neutralized terrorist strongholds, is actively involved in the current effort in Kebbi State.
As of November 18, 2025, two of the kidnapped girls have managed to escape from the bandits. The remaining girls are still in captivity, and the operation is ongoing.
The Federal and State governments have assured the parents and the public that they are doing everything possible to secure the release of the remaining students.
In the meantime, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has assured parents of the abducted students that his administration is fully committed to rescuing their children.
The governor gave the assurance on Monday while speaking to journalists in Maga shortly after meeting security agencies, traditional rulers, parents and other stakeholders following the incident.
