The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has opened an investigation into claims that troops were withdrawn shortly before terrorists abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi.

A total of 25 students were abducted from the school located in the Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on November 17 after killing the vice principal.

The director of defence media operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Onoja said the allegation by the Kebbi State governor that terrorists struck about 30 minutes after the withdrawal of security personnel had been noted.

He added that a thorough review was underway to establish the actual circumstances surrounding troops’ deployment and movements at the time.

Mr Onoja said operational decisions are based on intelligence and the broader security picture of the area but stressed that any identified lapse would attract immediate corrective action.

“Troops are pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, while collaborating with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities,” he said.

Mr Onoja said the Defence Headquarters was deeply concerned about the abduction of the schoolgirls in Kebbi, as well as those taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger.

He described the incidents as “heinous acts” and assured that troops were fully engaged in coordinated operations to rescue the victims.

Mr Onoja said the DHQ acknowledged public concerns over the recent rise in insecurity in parts of the North, assuring that the armed forces remained fully committed to restoring peace and stability across affected communities.

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi had queried the withdrawal of military personnel before the abduction of students by bandits.

Mr Idris said, “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:00 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., then the incident happened.”

(NAN)