Several Nigerian soldiers sustained injuries after terrorists launched a brutal ambush on troops mobilized to rescue the kidnapped students of the Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State.
The attack occurred just 24 hours after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, issued a direct order for troops of Operation Fasan Yamma to launch an “all out” operation against the bandits responsible for the abduction.
General Shaibu had demanded immediate and relentless action from the military to secure the release of the students.
“You must continue day and night fighting. We must find these children,” Shaibu was quoted as ordering the troops.
He further instructed commanders to leverage intelligence for precise, intelligence-based operations, emphasizing: “Once you receive information on something like this, act professionally and decisively. This is not just about our image; it is about doing our job properly.”
The soldiers were ordered to maintain 24-hour operations until all abducted students are safely rescued and reunited with their families.
In compliance with the COAS’s directive, the troops mobilized for the rescue mission but were quickly ambushed by terrorists.
Video footage posted online documented the severe consequences of the attack, showing several injured soldiers lying helplessly without immediate medical attention. In the footage, one of the victims was heard speaking in the Hausa language, describing the gravity of a comrade’s wound: “Musa has a bullet lodged in his leg. His condition is very bad.”
The operational vehicle used by the troops was also shown, riddled with numerous bullet holes sustained during the intense exchange.
