Sh*cking Truth: Garba Shehu Reveals What Was Hidden During Kankara Schoolboys’ Abduction

Reflecting on the globally reported incident, Shehu recounted how he contacted a senior Nigerian Army officer to verify the extent of the kidnapping. The official, however, reportedly downplayed the situation, claiming fewer than 10 students had been abducted—far from the nearly 300 eventually confirmed missing.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with Daily Trust, Shehu explained how this misleading information from military sources led to inaccurate public statements during a critical moment of international scrutiny.

“The world’s attention was fixed on Nigeria—BBC World and others were calling. I needed accurate information before speaking,” Shehu said. “The officer on the ground told me not to believe reports of 280 missing students, insisting fewer than 10 were taken. That’s what I told international media.”

Following public backlash, Shehu said he personally issued an apology to the Katsina State Government and the victims’ families, noting that the military never issued a correction.

“I released a statement apologizing to the state and the parents of the abducted children,” he added.

When asked whether the army official who misled him faced any disciplinary action, Shehu replied, “I don’t know if anything happened.”

He also revealed being misinformed during the Boko Haram massacre of over 50 farmers in Borno State, stating that certain individuals deliberately distorted the facts—though he withheld their names.

The Kankara abduction happened shortly after President Buhari arrived in Katsina on a private visit. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and remains a grim reminder of the escalating insecurity during that period.

Though the students were later freed after negotiations, the episode left a deep scar on Nigeria’s recent security narrative.

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