A rescue operation launched to recover the kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi State took a tragic turn on Tuesday when terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops, leaving several soldiers injured.

The ambush came barely a day after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, instructed forces under Operation Fasan Yamma to intensify their offensive and maintain round-the-clock pressure on the bandits holding the Government Girls Secondary School, Maga students.

Shaibu had charged commanders to rely on intelligence, respond swiftly to actionable information, and remain uncompromising in their mission. According to him, rescuing the abducted girls was a duty the army must execute with absolute professionalism.

Acting on those orders, troops mobilised for the rescue effort. However, they were met with heavy gunfire along their route, resulting in multiple injuries.

Footage obtained by DAILY POST shows wounded soldiers lying on the ground without immediate medical help. In the video, one soldier can be heard speaking in Hausa, alerting others that “Musa has a bullet lodged in his leg… his condition is very bad.”

Their operational vehicle was also riddled with bullet holes, underscoring the intensity of the attack.

Security officials say operations are ongoing as troops push to regain control of the area and continue efforts to rescue the abducted students.

Watch Video: