The Minister of State for Defence, Muhammad Bello Matawalle, on Friday, assured Kebbi State Government and parents of the abducted girls that the rescue operation is on the right track, with the military deploying equipment and personnel to the state for immediate action.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin kebbi, the Minister said he was in the state with high-powered delegation of the Theater Commander, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major-General Bello Idris Warrah.
He added that the GOC 8 Division Sokoto, will join them on Saturday, in line with the directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to ensure the release of the abducted school girls at Maga.
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He said, “We shall coordinate with other Security Agencies to ensure the safe return of our children.
“The FG has deployed lots of security operatives to cover and block all routes in Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger states.
“We need the cooperation of communities. We are here to support you and your government; we are not here to sit or sleep.”
He added that the teams have full command and control to coordinate operations, urging the people of Kebbi not to panic. “We’ll get the girls out, all we need are prayers from you to succeed,” the Minister said.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris, welcomed the Defence Minister and his team, recalling that President Tinubu had given marching orders to the Minister and other officers to relocate to Kebbi to secure the release of the girls in good condition.
“Those of us who know the Minister, know what he has done on security in Zamfara when he was the governor.
“What happened at Maga is an unfortunate situation. Kebbi people are sad.
“We got an Intel and quickly summoned security meeting to take decision on how to chart the best course of action.
“Security Heads advised us as government, they are in need of logistics to mobilise, we have prioritised security in Kebbi.
“Deployment took place, the military went to the school, but by 3am the military withdrew and by 4am, the bandits struck”, the governor said.
He urged the Minister and other security chiefs to investigate the withdrawal and identify who authorised it.
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