Twenty-five students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State early Monday following an attack by armed bandits.
The attack occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m., according to the Kebbi State Police Command.
CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the attackers were heavily armed and opened fire sporadically as they stormed the school.
“The bandits scaled the school fence and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination,” he said.
He confirmed that during the attack, a man identified as Hassan Makuku was shot dead while Ali Shehu sustained an injury to his right hand.
“The police tactical units deployed at the school engaged the bandits in a gun duel, but the attackers managed to escape with the students,” CSP Kotarkoshi added.
Following the incident, additional police tactical units were deployed to the area.
Military personnel and local vigilantes have also joined the operation to track the abductors.
“The combined team is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forests to rescue the abducted students and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
CSP Kotarkoshi said the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Bello M. Sani, had reiterated the command’s determination to safeguard lives and property.
He added that residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant while supporting the ongoing security operations.
“The public is advised to continue supporting police operations to maintain peace and stability in the state,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing, with a focus on securing the release of the students.
CSP Kotarkoshi stressed that the police remain committed to restoring safety in the affected communities.
He appealed to anyone with information about the incident or the bandits’ whereabouts to report immediately to the nearest police station.
