By Kingston Magare 23.11.2025
How and why troops stationed near the Government Girls Secondary School Maga Kebbi State withdrew from their post, is now under investigation to know if there was a conspiracy between the army and the bandits who kidnapped 25 girls last week.
According Muhammad Dantani, the District Head of Maga, the community and State government officials remain in shock the bandits were left to operate for one hour without challenge when they raided the School, killed the vice principal and took away 25 girls.
Mr. Dantani told the Punch in an interview that soldiers withdrew from the school 30 minutes before the bandits struck and the police on duty out-numbered and out gunned took cover without firing a shot.
“At about 4:30 a.m., I received a call from the school principal. As the district head of Maga, I called back immediately and was shocked to learn that armed bandits had entered the school,” Dantani stated.
” In fact, security arrangements had been reinforced recently due to intelligence reports suggesting a possible attack. Based on this intelligence, governor Nasir Kabir took proactive steps.
“He instructed that police officers be stationed around the school, and army troops located about a kilometre away move closer to secure the premises.”
Dantani disclosed that the governor was assured by the army that every soldier was at his duty post.
” The army officer in charge even sent a photograph taken with the students as proof of their presence. This reassured both the governor and the local authorities that the school was properly secured.
“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 a short time 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 concern, the lack of resistance allowed the bandits to operate from around 1:30 a.m. until 3:30 a.m. without opposition.
“When the governor arrived after the incident, he was understandably furious. The army commandant present apologised on behalf of the military and acknowledged that the situation was mishandled.”