“Find Them or Fail the Nation”: Public Pressure Mounts as COAS Launches Rescue Offensive
......As COAS Orders Intensified Search-and-Rescue for Abducted Kebbi Schoolgirls, Meets Vigilantes, Community Leaders
By Passman Akpos
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to intensify ground and air efforts aimed at rescuing students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
Gen. Shaibu gave the directive on Monday, 17 November 2025, during an operational visit to the affected communities.
Addressing frontline commanders, the Army Chief charged troops to maintain intelligence-driven, day-and-night pursuit of the abductors.
> “We must find these children. Act decisively, act professionally, and act on every credible intelligence. Success is not optional,” he declared.
He also held a strategy session with local vigilante groups and hunters, describing them as critical partners in navigating difficult terrain and gathering human intelligence.
> “Together, we will restore peace and ensure our children can attend school safely,” Gen. Shaibu assured.
Earlier, the COAS visited the Traditional Ruler of Danko, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Allaje, and the school principal, Hajiya Rabi Musa Magaji, offering condolences and assuring families that the operation would continue until the girls are safely rescued.
Gen. Shaibu urged troops to remain disciplined, uphold the Rules of Engagement, and demonstrate resilience in restoring peace across Kebbi State and surrounding areas.
The statement was signed by Captain David Adewusi, Media Information Officer of Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
PUBLIC REACTIONS: CALLS FOR TECHNOLOGY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY
The announcement sparked widespread public conversation online, where Nigerians expressed concerns, frustrations, and expectations regarding the military’s strategy and communication style.
Demands for Technology-Driven Operations
Many commenters urged the military to deploy drones, surveillance systems, and Super Tucano aircraft, insisting that modern tools—not foot patrols—should lead rescue missions.
Criticism of Reactive Security Response
Several citizens questioned why the operation appeared reactive rather than pre-emptive, emphasizing the need for deeper intelligence gathering and discreet planning.
Questions Over High-Profile Security Breaches
A number of users demanded official updates regarding previous attacks, including the killing of senior military officers, expressing fears about the safety of ordinary citizens if top personnel remain unprotected.
Concerns About Troop Strength and Protection
Some commenters expressed worry that visible troop numbers in released photographs seemed insufficient for confronting heavily armed abductors, urging the government to mobilize more personnel.
Calls for Community-Led Intelligence
Others suggested offering bounties for actionable information, highlighting the importance of locals who understand the terrain and the activities of criminal groups.
Faith, Frustration and Patriotism
A mix of prayers for the troops, criticism of national leadership, and calls for unity and patriotism also dominated the discussion, showing a blend of hope and deep concern for Nigeria’s security architecture.
