…as Search for Abducted Students Intensifies

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO—The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, conducted a covert visit to key military operation zones in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, amid efforts to rescue students abducted from Government Secondary School, Maga.

Sources confirmed that Matawalle arrived unannounced in the early hours, accompanied by senior military officers, to assess ground operations led by Operation Fatsan Yamma. The visit aimed to evaluate troop deployment, response efficiency, and overall combat readiness.

Intelligence indicates that the abducted students remain in a hidden forest location within the Zuru axis. During the visit, Matawalle held closed-door briefings with commanding officers and engaged frontline soldiers, boosting morale and reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to the rescue mission.

The visit followed directives from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Matawalle to coordinate the operation on the ground and intensify military pressure on criminal enclaves in the North-West.

Addressing the troops, Matawalle reaffirmed the government’s determination to secure the safe return of the kidnapped children and urged local communities to provide credible intelligence to support ongoing security efforts.