KEBBI STATE – In a dramatic revelation that has raised serious questions about security operations, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has demanded immediate explanations from military authorities over the withdrawal of troops from a school just 45 minutes before it was attacked by bandits who abducted dozens of schoolgirls.
The governor’s outcry came on Thursday while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who led a solidarity visit to the state over the abduction at Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
Governor Idris expressed deep concern over the security lapse, revealing that the state government had provided prior intelligence alerts about a potential attack. “We provided intelligence reports. We alerted them. So, who gave the order for troops to withdraw at that critical hour?” the governor questioned, his voice laden with frustration.
According to the governor’s account, soldiers who had been stationed at the school as part of enhanced security measures for vulnerable border communities were withdrawn around 3:00 am. The attackers struck less than 45 minutes later, at approximately 3:45 am, seizing the students in the cover of darkness.
The incident represents another devastating blow to Nigeria’s efforts to secure educational institutions in the violence-plagued northwestern region. This abduction follows a similar pattern seen just days earlier in Niger State, where bandits attacked St. Mary’s Private Secondary School in Papiri, abducting students and staff.
“What makes this particular case deeply troubling is that we had taken proactive measures, shared intelligence, and received assurances of protection,” Governor Idris stated. “The withdrawal of troops at such a critical hour contradicts earlier security assurances and demands thorough investigation.”
The governor’s demand for accountability comes amid growing national outrage over the persistent insecurity in northern Nigeria. Since the infamous Chibok abduction in 2014, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped from educational institutions across the region, often held for ransom or used as bargaining chips by criminal elements.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, while expressing solidarity with the state and families of the abducted students, urged federal security agencies to intensify efforts toward the girls’ safe rescue. “This pattern of attacks on our educational institutions must stop. We cannot continue to gamble with the future of our children,” Ajaero emphasized.
Security analysts have described the timing of the troop withdrawal as “highly suspicious” and potentially indicative of either intelligence failure or possible compromise within security arrangements. The incident has prompted calls for a comprehensive review of security protocols around schools in vulnerable areas.
As of press time, military authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the governor’s allegations. However, security operations are reportedly ongoing in the surrounding forests of Kebbi State, with combined teams of military and police personnel working to locate and rescue the abducted students.
The situation remains tense in Kebbi State, with parents and community leaders awaiting both the safe return of the students and transparent answers about the security failures that led to this tragedy.
