President Bola Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State today to commiserate with families of the 25 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, and to assure them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their safe return.

Tinubu, who also mourned Brigadier General Musa Uba and other soldiers killed during an operation against insurgents in Borno State, described the abductions as “distressing,” especially in spite of prior intelligence warnings. He urged communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies in the fight against banditry.

Amina Hassan, widow of the slain vice principal of the school, recounted how armed bandits broke into their home around 3:30 a.m., shot her husband, and attempted to abduct her daughter, who escaped after distracting the attackers.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA to intensify day-and-night search-and-rescue operations until all the girls are found. He also held meetings with local vigilantes, urging stronger intelligence sharing.

At the National Assembly, the Senate called for the immediate recruitment of 100,000 additional military personnel to strengthen national security and set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the Safe Schools Programme.

The kidnapping has drawn international condemnation. U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore and UNICEF described the attack as tragic and unacceptable, urging Nigeria to enforce stronger protection for students.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu expressed sadness over the incident, calling it “an assault on the values of safety and learning,” and prayed for the girls’ quick rescue.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also decried the abduction, noting that it cast a dark shadow over the 2025 International Students’ Day celebrations.