The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify efforts in the search-and-rescue mission for students abducted in Kebbi State.
Bandits, on Monday, attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, killing the vice principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting 25 students.
According to counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, the army chief arrived in Kebbi on Monday and held an operational meeting with frontline commanders and later charged soldiers to sustain round-the-clock operations until all the schoolgirls are found and safely returned.
Shaibu reminded the soldiers that “You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children.
“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. It has become a pattern that bandits target soft targets. If they know you are in a location, they will not come there or face you in a fight, and you can defeat them, can’t you?
“You must have all the commitment to make sure you succeed. Once you receive intelligence of something of this nature, you must act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
He also met separately with local vigilantes and hunters working alongside security forces, emphasising the importance of stronger collaboration because of their intimate knowledge of the terrain.
“If we have people like you, it is you who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests, and you are the ones to tell us where the criminals are.
“Your hunters should storm the nooks and crannies of these forests. Soldiers will also join you. We are counting on you to work with us to bring lasting peace.
“What these evil people are trying to do is to scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he said.
Shaibu praised the vigilantes for their courage and assured them of the military’s continued support.
Earlier, the COAS paid a condolence visit to the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the attacked school, Rabi Magaji.
The PUNCH
