Tinubu Sends Shettima to Kebbi, Mourns Brig-Gen Uba, Vows Swift Rescue of Kidnapped Schoolgirls

ByNewsmakers

Nov 18, 2025 #Banditry, #Borno insurgency, #Brigadier General Musa Uba, #community cooperation, #fallen soldiers, #intelligence warnings, #Kebbi abduction, #Kebbi schoolgirls, #Kidnapping, #Maga schoolgirls, #National Security, #Nigerian military, #security breach, #Shettima, #Tinubu

Fallen Hero: Brigadier General Musa Uba.

Segun Atanda/

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi State on Wednesday to commiserate with the government and reassure worried parents of the abducted schoolgirls from Maga, promising that the Federal Government will ensure their safe and speedy return.

In a statement issued today by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other gallant soldiers who were killed in action during an encounter with insurgents in Borno State.

Tinubu, who has received full briefings from military authorities on both incidents, condemned the abduction of the schoolgirls despite earlier intelligence warnings about an impending attack. He commended Kebbi State Governor Mohammed Nasir Idris for efforts made to forestall the kidnapping and described the breach as “regrettable and painful.”

The President emphasized that the fight against insecurity cannot be won without the active support of local communities. He urged Nigerians, especially those in areas prone to banditry and insurgent activity, to share timely information with the military, police, and DSS to help secure their communities.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” Tinubu said.

“I am also depressed that heartless terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed the security agencies to act swiftly and bring the girls back to Kebbi State. Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information,” he added.

Vice President Shettima is expected to meet government officials, security operatives, community leaders, and families of the abducted students, conveying the President’s assurances of swift action and renewed security efforts in the state.