Security expert Sadeeq Shehu says Governor Nasir Idris’ claim that troops were withdrawn shortly before the Kebbi schoolgirls’ abduction is too serious to ignore and must be fully investigated, warning that the incident exposes major failures in Nigeria’s Safe School programme.
Security expert Group Captain Sadeeq Shehu (Rtd) has warned that Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris’ allegation that soldiers were withdrawn minutes before the abduction of schoolgirls is “too serious to ignore,” insisting it must be thoroughly investigated.
Speaking to ARISE News, Shehu said the incident reflects a catastrophic failure of Nigeria’s Safe School programme, despite early detection of bandit movement in the area. “Detection worked this time — early warning was received. But if soldiers were withdrawn minutes before the attack, it is something that must be investigated to the end,” he said.
He criticised the federal and state governments for reactive responses, saying “The Safe School Declaration has remained a slogan,” and warning that shutting down remote schools contradicts the purpose of the policy.
Shehu added that this incident offers a rare chance to uncover systemic failures: “For 15 years we have heard conspiracy theories… but this time, a sitting governor has made a clear allegation.”
He stressed that Nigeria “cannot afford another decade of repeated tragedies” and urged that the matter be pursued to its “logical end” to finally fix the system.