Tinubu Sends Shettima to Kebbi, Vows Swift Rescue of Kidnapped Schoolgirls

President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the state government, parents, and guardians of the schoolgirls abducted by terrorists in Maga community.

The President assured that the Federal Government is taking urgent steps to secure the safe and quick return of the children.

In a statement on Tuesday, President Tinubu expressed deep sadness over the abduction of the schoolgirls and the killing of several military personnel, including Brigadier General Musa Uba, during a counterinsurgency operation in Borno State.

The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing the fallen soldiers as gallant heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” he said.

Tinubu said military authorities had provided him with full details of both incidents and commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for the proactive measures earlier taken to prevent the abduction.

He, however, described the kidnappers’ attack on the boarding school as unacceptable and a painful disruption of the education of young girls.

The President expressed concern that the incident occurred despite intelligence warnings of a possible strike by armed bandits. He emphasized that communities in vulnerable locations must work closely with security agencies to share information that can prevent such breaches.

“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State,” the President said.

President Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s security forces cannot operate effectively without community cooperation, urging residents, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to intensify intelligence sharing with the military, police, and DSS.

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“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe. I urge community leaders and our compatriots across the country, especially those in the theatres of operations, to share useful information. Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” he added.

The President said Vice President Shettima’s visit to Kebbi underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring the protection of children, supporting affected families, and restoring security in the region. He assured that all available resources are being deployed to track the perpetrators, dismantle their networks, and bring the schoolgirls home safely.

The Federal Government, he reaffirmed, remains determined to end the menace of terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings across the country. The visit by the Vice President is expected to include meetings with state officials, affected families, and security agencies coordinating rescue operations.