Alleged Troop Withdrawal Before Abductions: Kebbi Governor Asks National Assembly to Investigate Military

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged the National Assembly to investigate the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, 45 minutes before the abduction of schoolchildren.

The governor noted that the matter requires urgent scrutiny, as military authorities reportedly withdrew their personnel shortly before bandits stormed the school and abducted 25 schoolgirls on Monday, 17 November 2025.

Governor Idris made the call while receiving a delegation from the National Assembly, led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, at Government House, Birnin Kebbi.

“The military personnel deployed to the school left at 3 a.m., and at exactly 3:45 a.m., the schoolgirls were abducted. But the reason for the personnel’s departure was based on orders. We raise questions as a government: Who gave the order? What was the reason? Since the incident, we have been asking questions but have received no answers,” Idris said.

The governor appealed to the National Assembly to summon military leadership and conduct a full investigation into the withdrawal of the troops.

“What happened in Kebbi shows the security architecture is not working. There is a need for the National Assembly to change the narrative and investigate the military. Security is not only a federal responsibility; states must also intervene with logistics support,” he added.

He further warned that if urgent action is not taken, “enemies are working to truncate our democracy.”

In his response, Speaker Abbas said, “We are here to share in your pain and extend our condolences. Kebbi is one of the most stable states, but this incident is deeply saddening. The National Assembly stands with you, the parents of the abducted girls, and we commend the teacher who lost his life protecting the students.”

The Speaker announced a donation of N30 million to the families of the slain teacher and the school watchman, and requested that the school be named after the martyred teacher.

The statements were made amid growing public outcry over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s northwest region.

Calls for Accountability

Several Nigerians, including security experts, have demanded that the Military High Command investigate the allegations raised by the Kebbi governor and punish any officers found culpable—or provide evidence to refute the claims.

A retired senior Air Force officer, Group Captain Shehu Sadeeq (rtd), likened the situation to long-standing conspiracy theories surrounding Nigeria’s decade-long insurgency.

Group Captain Sadeeq, a former spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), noted that similar allegations had been made in the past without credible evidence.

He recalled that even former President Goodluck Jonathan once claimed there were Boko Haram sympathisers in his cabinet, yet no action was taken.

“The allegations raised by the Kebbi governor should not be swept under the carpet like previous ones,” he said.

Sadeeq cited claims that security personnel received intelligence of a pending attack and agreed to maintain a 24/7 guard, only for troops to be withdrawn shortly before the bandits arrived.

“Since we started having insecurity – whether Boko Haram or banditry – there have been so many conspiracy theories. Some say they saw a white man dropping food or arms from a helicopter, or that Americans planned to drop gas to rescue Chibok girls. Others claim UN agencies are sponsoring Boko Haram. But none has ever been proven,” he said.

He argued that this allegation must be thoroughly investigated because, unlike past cases, it is being made repeatedly by a sitting governor.

Military Orders Probe

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has ordered a probe into the alleged troop withdrawal before the Kebbi school abduction.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the Military High Command is deeply concerned about the abduction of the 25 schoolgirls of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, and the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State.

Condemning the “heinous act,” he assured parents that the military was working to ensure the prompt rescue of all abducted children.

He confirmed the DHQ is aware of the governor’s claims that terrorists struck 30 minutes after troops were withdrawn.

“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 essential to note that all operational decisions are based on intelligence assessments and the broader regional security architecture. Nevertheless, if the ongoing review identifies any lapse or gap, the Armed Forces will take immediate corrective action to prevent a recurrence,” he stated.

Major General Onoja added that the Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with state authorities, community leaders, and other security agencies to enhance protection around schools and vulnerable communities.