The Military has opened an internal investigation into allegations that troops were redeployed shortly before bandits abducted female students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the probe on Sunday following heightened public concern over the circumstances leading to the attack, which occurred days after intelligence warnings reportedly flagged the school as a possible target.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said in a statement on Sunday that the probe will scrutinize troop deployment patterns, operational decisions, and intelligence handling in the area prior to the abduction.
The statement also reaffirmed that the Armed Forces are fully engaged in rescue operations across Kebbi and Niger states.
Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris of Kebbi State had earlier expressed reservations about the timing of military operations around Maga, alleging that troops may have been moved hours before gunmen stormed the school.
He disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had issued a prior intelligence warning on a planned attack, heightening concerns about why security presence was reduced despite credible alerts.
The governor’s remarks triggered a wave of reactions from community leaders and parents who have demanded transparency over the tragedy.
Responding to the allegations, the Defence Headquarters stated: “We are aware of the claim made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State. In line with established procedures, a review is underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements before the incident.”
Onoja added that while operational decisions are typically guided by threat assessments and wider security considerations, the Armed Forces are committed to identifying any gaps and addressing them.
“If any lapses are detected, corrective measures will be taken immediately,” the statement said.
The Maga school abduction occurred the same week 315 students and teachers were kidnapped from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Similar incidents have been recorded in Zamfara State, deepening concerns over a resurgence of coordinated mass kidnappings targeting children.
The DHQ condemned the attacks, calling them “unfortunate, unacceptable, and a direct assault on the nation’s future.”
Meanwhile, the DHQ assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remains resolute in its mission to restore peace.
