The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shuaibu, has arrived in Maiduguri, Borno State, amid growing concerns over the fate of 78 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities more than five months ago.
The visit comes as parents of the abducted children continue to demand stronger government action to secure their release.
The children were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, and have remained in captivity for 155 days, prompting widespread concern among residents and community leaders.
Chairman of the Association of the Abducted Children’s Parents, Ishaku Suya, expressed disappointment over what he described as inadequate attention to their plight compared to the response given to other kidnapping incidents across the country.
According to him, the parents had considered travelling to Abuja to stage a protest but were forced to suspend the plan due to financial constraints.
The families have appealed to the military leadership to visit the affected communities and intensify efforts to secure the safe return of the children.
During his visit, the army chief held a closed-door meeting with senior officers of Operation Hadin Kai at the Maimalari Cantonment and later addressed troops on ongoing security operations.
He also paid a courtesy visit to Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.
