By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says it has opened an investigation into claims that troops were withdrawn shortly before terrorists abducted students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi.

A total of 25 students were abducted from the school located in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on Nov. 17, after killing the Vice Principal.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Onoja said the allegation by the Kebbi State Governor, that terrorists struck about 30 minutes after the withdrawal of security personnel, had been noted.

He added that a thorough review was underway to establish the actual circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements at the time.

According to him, operational decisions are based on intelligence and the broader security picture of the area but stressed that any identified lapse would attract immediate corrective action.

“Troops are pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students, while collaborating with state authorities, community leaders and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities,” he said

Onoja said the Defence Headquarters was deeply concerned about the abduction of the schoolgirls in Kebbi as well as those taken from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger.

He described the incidents as “heinous acts” and assured that troops were fully engaged in coordinated operations to rescue the victims.

He said the DHQ acknowledged public concerns over the recent rise in insecurity in parts of the North, assuring that the Armed Forces remained fully committed to restoring peace and stability across affected communities. (NAN)