The Defence Headquarters has expressed concern over the abduction of students from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.

PUNCH Online reported that the number of pupils and students abducted from St. Mary’s Private Primary and Secondary School in Niger State has risen to 303, according to the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, while 25 students were taken from the school in Kebbi State.

Following the Kebbi incident, the state governor alleged that troops were withdrawn from the school about 30 minutes before the attack.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja condemned the attacks and said efforts were underway to rescue the students and apprehend the perpetrators.

He said troops were currently engaged in operations in the affected areas.

“The Defence Headquarters is deeply concerned about the unfortunate abduction of the 25 schoolgirls of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga (Danko-Wasagu LGA) of Kebbi State, and St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri (Agwara LGA) of Niger State.

“We condemn this heinous act in the strongest terms. Our thoughts remain with the students, their families, and the communities affected. The Armed Forces of Nigeria are fully engaged in ongoing operations to ensure the safe rescue of the girls and the apprehension of the perpetrators”, he said.

Onoja also addressed the governor’s claim that the attackers struck shortly after troops left the school.

He said the Defence Headquarters was aware of the allegation and had begun a review to determine the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movement at the time of the incident.

He explained that operational decisions were based on intelligence assessments and the broader security situation in the region, adding that any lapse identified in the review would be corrected immediately.

“Regarding the allegation made by the Executive Governor of Kebbi State—that the terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn from the school—the Defence Headquarters is aware of this claim.

“In line with our standard procedure, a thorough review is currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding troop deployment and movements in the area at the time of the incident.

“It is important to note that all operational decisions are based on intelligence assessments and the broader security architecture of the region.

“Nevertheless, if the ongoing review identifies any lapse or gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence.”

He assured Nigerians that rescuing the abducted students remained a top priority, saying troops were pursuing all actionable intelligence.

“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working closely with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to strengthen protection around schools and vulnerable communities. We assure Nigerians that the rescue effort is a top priority, and our troops are actively on the ground pursuing all actionable intelligence to ensure the safe return of the abducted students.

“The Defence Headquarters acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians regarding the recent increase in insecurity in parts of the North. We wish to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to restoring peace and stability across all affected communities.”