The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has begun a full-scale investigation into the sudden and unexplained withdrawal of military personnel from the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—just minutes before armed bandits abducted 26 schoolgirls last week.
A top security source told Chronicle Reporters that all soldiers previously deployed to the school had been summoned to Abuja for questioning, as authorities seek to uncover who authorised the pullout and why the security post was abandoned despite earlier intelligence warnings.
According to a senior state official, the Kebbi government is awaiting clarification from the military, particularly concerning the chain of command behind the withdrawal.
“The personnel stationed at the school were summoned by the Defence Headquarters on Monday. We are following the case,” the official said, adding that security leaders at both state and federal levels remain deeply troubled by the incident.
Another high-ranking military source confirmed that the probe has broadened to include every officer and soldier assigned to the school.
“Everyone attached to that location will be interrogated to determine what went wrong. Anyone found culpable will be punished,” he said.
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Nasir Idris, Ahmed Idris, noted that Kebbi State is not directly involved in the interrogation but expects full transparency.
“The investigation is being handled by Defence Headquarters. We want to know the outcome and trust that necessary action will be taken,” he said.
Governor Idris had earlier expressed shock over the troops’ withdrawal, especially after the state received intelligence pointing to a possible attack. He said security agencies had assured the government that the school was adequately protected.
“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3am, and by 3:45am, the incident happened,” the governor said, demanding answers on who authorised the retreat.
Maga District Head, Muhammad Dantani, also raised concerns, recounting that security around the school had been strengthened after credible threat alerts. Police officers, army personnel, and local vigilantes had previously kept the community safe.
“But unknown to us, the soldiers left around 1am—shortly before the attack. We still don’t know who gave the order or why,” he said.
As investigations intensify, public pressure continues to mount on military authorities to explain the withdrawal that preceded one of the most alarming school abductions in recent months.