Military Headquarters Summons Soldiers Over Controversial Kebbi School Withdrawal

Troops previously deployed to Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga are now under investigation at the Defence Headquarters, days after terrorists abducted 26 schoolgirls from the institution.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A senior government official, speaking to Punch, confirmed that the military had launched a probe into the sudden withdrawal of soldiers from the school shortly before the attack.

The incident occurred on November 17, when terrorists stormed the school, killing Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku and abducting 26 students. Two of the girls later escaped, leaving 24 still in captivity in the forest.

Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, reacting to the abduction, demanded an investigation into why the military personnel had withdrawn from the school. Speaking after a closed-door meeting in Jos with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the governor noted that Kebbi had previously shared credible security intelligence with military authorities, including warnings of a possible assault on the school.

“The security operatives were deployed in response to the intelligence, so why were they withdrawn right before the attack?” the governor questioned.

The senior official added that Kebbi is awaiting the outcome of the military investigation into who ordered the troops to leave the school premises prior to the attack.

“The military personnel stationed at the school have been summoned to Abuja for interrogation by Defence Headquarters. This began on Monday, and the case is being closely monitored,” the official said, noting that the troops were from the Army Barracks in Zuru.

A security source also confirmed the summons, adding: “I don’t have all the details, but I learned on Monday that the soldiers have reported to headquarters. All security heads are reviewing the Kebbi and Niger incidents. Neither the soldiers nor the police performed adequately, but the investigation is ongoing.”

A top military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, “The military hierarchy is investigating the matter. Everyone attached to the school will be questioned to determine what went wrong, and anyone found culpable will be held accountable.”

Another source added, “It is likely the troops have been summoned in connection with the incident, but the investigation is still ongoing.”