All military personnel attached to the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State—where 26 schoolgirls were abducted on November 17—are currently facing interrogation at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.

A senior government official confirmed that the Defense Headquarters had opened an investigation into the sudden withdrawal of soldiers from the school shortly before terrorists stormed the premises.

During the attack, the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was killed, and 26 students were taken away.

Two later escaped, leaving 24 in captivity until their release was negotiated by the Federal Government last week.

Outrage and Calls for Probe

The incident caused widespread outrage, with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris demanding answers.

Speaking after a closed‑door meeting with Minister of State for Defense, Bello Matawalle, Idris revealed that the state government had received intelligence reports warning that the school was likely to be targeted.

Security operatives were deployed in response, but he questioned why they were withdrawn just hours before the attack.

“We need to know why they left. We had intelligence; we provided security, so what happened?” the governor asked.

The District Head of Maga, Muhammad Dantani, corroborated the account, saying the soldiers left around 1am.

“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 1am, just shortly before the attack began,” he said.

With the army absent, police officers reportedly chose not to engage the attackers, citing their overwhelming numbers and firepower.

The bandits operated freely between 1.30am and 3.30am, whisking the girls without resistance.

Soldiers Summoned to Abuja

The senior government official said the soldiers, drawn from the Army Barracks in Zuru, were summoned to Abuja on Monday for questioning.

“The military personnel who were stationed at the school have been summoned to Abuja for interrogation. We are following the case,” he explained.

A credible security source confirmed the development, noting that the personnel had already reported to Defense Headquarters.

“All the security heads are unhappy with what happened in Kebbi and Niger. Neither the soldiers nor the police did well. But the investigation is ongoing,” the source said.

A top military officer, speaking anonymously, added: “The military hierarchy is investigating the matter, and everyone attached to the school will be asked one or two questions to determine what went wrong. Anyone found culpable will definitely be brought to book.”