President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State after the sudden abduction of 25 schoolgirls.
Moreover, the directive was issued as security teams race to locate and rescue the missing students.
The move has been described as urgent due to the rising concern across the region.
According to the Presidency, Matawalle will stay in Kebbi to coordinate security operations.
His presence is expected to strengthen on-ground efforts and speed up the search.
Furthermore, the minister is scheduled to arrive in Birnin Kebbi on Friday to begin direct supervision of the rescue mission.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency said: “President Tinubu has instructed the Minister of State for Defence to move to Kebbi State without delay and oversee all ongoing efforts to safely bring back the abducted schoolgirls.”
Gunmen had stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Sakaba Local Government Area, around 4 a.m. on Monday.
They took 24 students from their hostel, leaving parents, teachers and local residents in shock.
Therefore, many believe that Matawalle’s deployment could help accelerate rescue efforts.
In addition, the Presidency highlighted the minister’s past experience handling banditry incidents in Zamfara State.
It noted that during his time as governor, he dealt with several large-scale kidnappings, including the abduction of 279 students from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, in February 2021.
The statement recalled that the victims were released days later.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has postponed his planned trip to Johannesburg and Luanda.
The delay came as he awaits extra security briefings on the Kebbi incident and the recent attack on worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State.
