The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered him to travel to Kebbi State to oversee the rescue of the schoolgirls abducted in Maga, few days ago.
“The President has directed me to relocate to Kebbi and ensure the safe return of the students,” Dr Matawalle said during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, the Capital of Kebbi State.
He explained that while the security operations are sensitive, they indicate that the military is close to a breakthrough in the rescue effort.
All relevant security agencies are coordinating the operation, and the necessary equipment has already been deployed, the minister added.
He said the mission will be carried out under the “Fansan Yemma” operation, led by Theatre Commander Major General Bello Idris Wara.
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Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris while welcoming the federal response, thanked President Tinubu for his “proactive measures”. He stated that the state government has provided every support required for the operation’s success.
The abducted students, 25 in total, were taken from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko‑Wasagu, Local Government Area, earlier this month.
Authorities have intensified search efforts, and the Ministry of Defence says it remains committed to securing their safe release.
Olusola Akintonde