Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria – 25 November 2025 – Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has renewed calls for a full investigation into the Nigerian military’s sudden withdrawal of troops from a girls’ school just 45 minutes before bandits abducted 25 students, raising serious concerns of possible sabotage.
The attack occurred on 17 November at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, close to the border with Niger Republic. Governor Idris disclosed that state intelligence had earlier warned of an impending assault, leading to a security meeting at which military commanders promised reinforcements. Troops were deployed but were inexplicably withdrawn around 3 a.m. Less than an hour later, at 3:45 a.m., gunmen stormed the school, killed the vice-principal and took the girls away.
“Who authorised the military to pull out? How could security personnel be withdrawn at such a critical moment?” the governor asked during a recent meeting with National Assembly leaders, urging lawmakers to summon the military high command for answers. He described the withdrawal as deeply disturbing and at odds with federal assurances to protect schools in bandit-prone border areas.
The abduction has provoked widespread anger across Nigeria. Solidarity visits have come from the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, among others. President Bola Tinubu has sent Vice President Kashim Shettima and Defence Minister Bello Matawalle to oversee rescue efforts, with the minister now stationed in Kebbi to coordinate operations.
Security analysts and civil society groups have joined the governor in demanding that the military leadership investigate the withdrawal, warning that failure to do so risks further damaging public confidence. As search teams scour forests in the northwest, Governor Idris has vowed that every effort will be made to bring the girls home safely.
