The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, on Tuesday visited Maga community in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, directing troops of Operation Fasin Yamma to launch an aggressive, round-the-clock offensive against bandits who abducted students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga.

During an operational assessment with frontline troops, Shaibu warned that bandits had adopted a pattern of targeting soft locations, stressing the need for superior strategy, coordinated intelligence, and sustained pressure.

“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” he ordered.

He further charged field commanders to prioritise intelligence-led operations and respond swiftly to actionable information.

“For the commanders here, you must leverage intelligence to conduct intelligence-based missions. Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly,” he said.

Shaibu directed troops to maintain 24-hour operations until all abducted students are rescued and reunited with their families.

The Army Chief also held a closed-door meeting with local vigilantes and hunters assisting security forces in the area. He underscored the importance of community cooperation, noting that their knowledge of the terrain was indispensable to counter-insurgency efforts.

“If we have people like you, you are the ones who will work with us and provide local intelligence. You know these forests; you know where the criminals hide,” he said, urging them to intensify their operations alongside the military.

He condemned the attack as an attempt by criminals to instill fear and disrupt education.

“What these evil people are trying to do is scare children from going to school. Let every man know we will not allow that,” he stated.

Earlier, the COAS paid a sympathy visit to the traditional ruler of Danko, Abubakar Allaje, and the principal of the affected school, Rabi Magaji.

Reaffirming the military’s commitment, Shaibu said: “We are fully committed. We will not relent. The safety of these children is a national priority, and we are deploying every resource to ensure they return home safely.”