The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has summoned all soldiers who were on security duty at the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State on the day terrorists abducted 26 schoolgirls.
Vanguard confirmed that the affected personnel have been moved to Abuja for questioning as part of efforts to determine who authorised their withdrawal shortly before the November 17 attack.
“It is part of the investigation to unearth who ordered their withdrawal. They have been moved to Abuja,” Vanguard was told.
Terrorists had stormed the school in the early hours of the morning, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before abducting 26 students.
Two later escaped. The incident triggered outrage after it emerged that soldiers assigned to protect the school reportedly left moments before the assailants arrived.
Governor Nasir Idris and several concerned Nigerians have since demanded a full investigation, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal must be clarified.
The episode has revived painful memories of the Chibok school abductions, stirring renewed national debate on school security in the North.
Speaking on the incident, the District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, recounted how the military presence vanished shortly before the terrorists struck.
He said: “Around midnight, I called to confirm whether the soldiers were still at their post and was told they were.
But unknown to us, they left the school around 1 a.m., just shortly before the attack began. We still don’t know who gave the order or why they withdrew.
“When the bandits arrived, the police officers said they took cover because the attackers were far too numerous and opening fire would have meant certain death.
“The number of bandits and their level of firepower were overwhelming. With the army absent, the police felt engaging the bandits would be suicidal.
“While we understand their safety concerns, the lack of resistance allowed the bandits to operate from around 1.30 a.m. until 3.30 a.m. without opposition.”
The abducted girls were eventually freed, with the state government announcing that Governor Idris played a central role in securing their release.
Meanwhile, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain committed to defeating banditry nationwide, despite the recent resurgence of school abductions.