Kebbi Governor Questions Military Withdrawal Before Schoolgirls’ Abduction!

Kebbi Governor Questions Military Withdrawal Before Schoolgirls’ Abduction!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has raised serious concerns over the withdrawal of military personnel from the grounds of the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga just minutes before the abduction of 25 schoolgirls. [1]

“This is clear sabotage,” the governor said in a statement on 19 November 2025. He alleged that following actionable intelligence from the State Security Service (SSS) about a likely attack, security personnel were deployed to guard the school but inexplicably withdrew “about 30 minutes before the attackers struck.” [1]

Key Details:

• The abduction occurred around 4:00 a.m. on 17 November 2025, when gunmen on motorcycles stormed the Maga school in Danko/Wasagu LGA, engaging police and military guards before kidnapping the girls and killing the vice‑principal. [2]
• Governor Idris further stated that heavy‑armed operatives were observed at the campus the previous night, taking photographs with students, but then withdrew before dawn. [1]
• In response, the governor has inaugurated a special investigation panel chaired by the SSS director to probe the withdrawal and coordinate the rescue operations. [1]

Why It Matters:

• The incident raises profound questions about the integrity and reliability of security deployments in vulnerable rural regions.
• A senior state official publicly accusing military or security elements of withdrawal ahead of a major attack could undermine public confidence and raise political tensions.
• It spotlights how intelligence may have been ignored or mismanaged, with catastrophic results for children’s safety and education.

What to Watch:

• Outcomes from the investigation panel—particularly whether any personnel will be held accountable or removed.
• The progress of the rescue effort for the abducted schoolgirls and the conditions of their captivity.
• Reactions from the federal government and military leadership to the governor’s allegations, and whether the chain of command is scrutinised.

Citations:

1. allAfrica.com: allafrica.com/stories/202511190129.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-steps-up-search-25-abducted-schoolgirls-northwestern-kebbi-2025-11-18/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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