All military personnel stationed at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, located in the Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, are currently undergoing interrogation at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Saturday PUNCH has learnt. This follows the abduction of 26 schoolgirls by terrorists on November 17, during which the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was tragically killed.
A credible senior government official disclosed that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has initiated an investigation into the abrupt withdrawal of military personnel from the school shortly before the attack. The incident has raised significant concerns, prompting the state Governor, Nasir Idris, to call for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.
During a closed-door meeting with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, Governor Idris expressed his confusion over the military’s decision to vacate the school. “We need to know why they left. We had intelligence; we provided security, so what happened?” he questioned, highlighting that prior intelligence reports had suggested a potential terrorist target on the school.
The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, corroborated that the military personnel withdrew from the school premises around 1 am, just before the attack unfolded. He stated, “Around midnight, I called to confirm whether the soldiers were still at their post and was told they were. But unknown to us, they left the school around 1 am, just shortly before the attack began. We still don’t know who gave the order or why they withdrew.”
Dantani further noted that when the bandits arrived, police officers on the scene felt compelled to take cover due to the overwhelming number of attackers. “The number of bandits and their level of firepower were overwhelming. With the army absent, the police felt engaging the bandits would be suicidal,” he explained, adding that this lack of resistance allowed the bandits to operate freely from about 1:30 am until 3:30 am.
Fortunately, two of the kidnapped students managed to escape, while the remaining 24 were later released following negotiations led by the Federal Government. Medical examinations confirmed that the girls had not been sexually abused during their captivity.
A senior government official mentioned that Kebbi State is awaiting the outcome of the military investigation into the order that led to the personnel’s withdrawal. “The military personnel who were stationed at the school have been summoned to Abuja for interrogation. They were summoned by the Defence Headquarters on Monday. We are following the case,” he stated.
Sources confirm that the troops involved were from the Army Barracks in Zuru. A credible security source relayed that all personnel connected to the incident have reported to the Defence Headquarters. “I don’t have all the details, but I learnt on Monday from colleagues in the army that the soldiers have reported to the headquarters. All the security heads are happy with what happened in Kebbi and Niger. Neither the soldiers nor the police did well. But the investigation is ongoing,” the source remarked.
A top military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The military hierarchy is investigating the matter, and everyone attached to the school will be asked one or two questions to determine what went wrong. Anyone found culpable will definitely be brought to book.”
While attempts were made to rescue the girls, a source indicated that the operation was unsuccessful, necessitating negotiations with the terrorists. “The girls were released at the border between Gusau (Zamfara State) and Kebbi State. They were kept in a forest, from where security personnel brought them back to Kebbi,” the source explained.
The operation involved significant surveillance and strategic deployment of personnel, including a helicopter, which prevented the bandits from moving. “The security agencies used tactics to get them out of captivity. They engaged the bandits in communication and other professional methods,” the source added.
A viral video surfaced in which a bandit leader, standing among the released girls, claimed their freedom was secured through negotiations. He told them, “You have seen how the government failed to rescue you. Your release was secured through peaceful negotiations. Our leaders were contacted, and that is how you gained your freedom.”
As the investigation continues, the Kebbi State Government and the military seek to uncover the truth behind the withdrawal of personnel and ensure accountability for the tragic events that unfolded.
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