The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has summoned all military personnel previously assigned to the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, following the abduction of 26 students.

A senior government official confirmed that the military high command is investigating why soldiers withdrew from the school shortly before terrorists attacked on November 17, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducting the students. Two girls later escaped, leaving 24 in captivity until their release on Tuesday after negotiations by the Federal Government.

The incident triggered public outrage, with Governor Nasir Idris insisting on a full investigation. After meeting with the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, he disclosed that the state had earlier received intelligence suggesting a possible attack on the school. Security operatives were deployed, but the governor questioned why soldiers left their posts despite the warning.

“We need to know why they left. We had intelligence, and security was provided. So what happened?” he asked.

The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, said the troops left around 1am—just before the attackers struck. According to him, the attackers were heavily armed and far outnumbered the police officers on ground, who said engaging the terrorists would have resulted in certain death.

With no military presence, the bandits operated freely between 1:30am and 3:30am.

Security sources confirmed that the summoned soldiers, drawn from the Army Barracks in Zuru, have reported to the Defence Headquarters. A top military official said the investigation aims to determine who authorised their withdrawal and why.

“The military hierarchy is investigating the matter, and everyone attached to the school will be questioned. Anyone found culpable will face sanctions,” the official stated.

Another security source suggested that neither the soldiers nor the police “did well” in their response to the crisis but stressed that the investigation is ongoing.

The Kebbi State Government said medical checks confirmed that none of the rescued girls were sexually assaulted. However, questions remain about the withdrawal of troops and the security lapses that allowed the attack to happen.

Governor Idris’s Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, said the state government has no direct information on the DHQ probe but expects a full and transparent report once the investigation is concluded.

Efforts to speak with the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, were unsuccessful as his phone remained unreachable at the time of filing this report.