The Kebbi State Government has ordered the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, nearly three months after 24 female students were abducted and later rescued
The November 2025 abduction drew national attention to the vulnerability of rural boarding schools in North-West Nigeria and reignited concerns over the impact of banditry on education, especially for girls.
Following the rescue, the government temporarily closed the school to allow for security reassessment and psychosocial counselling for the students. On Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that security measures have been strengthened, and confidence has been restored among parents and school administrators.
“We must not allow our collective psyche for peaceful living to be taken away by bandits. Confidence has been rebuilt through counselling and the full deployment of security personnel. The school is ready to resume normal academic activities,” Bande said.
She explained that Governor Nasir Idris initiated security awareness programmes for principals and staff across the state, including Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu, and Birnin Kebbi. The training focused on early warning mechanisms, emergency response, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies.
“Principals, vice principals, staff, and students all have vital roles to play in maintaining school security,” Bande added, noting that host communities are “critical stakeholders in the security architecture of schools.”
Education analysts say rural communities often serve as first responders during attacks, emphasizing the importance of community-based intelligence in areas with limited security coverage.
During the sessions, security officials also outlined preventive measures. ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), urged school managers to avoid complacency, ensure proper lighting, and remain alert to suspicious activity. Wale Henry, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, stressed the importance of physical infrastructure, proper fencing, and vigilant personnel at school gates, while also cautioning against internal threats related to behavior and discipline.
Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, said the governor’s directives following the Maga incident have now been implemented statewide, ensuring that boarding schools are secured and vulnerabilities assessed. He added that a committee’s report on the de-boarding policy has been submitted, awaiting the governor’s final decision.
The reopening of Maga occurs amid ongoing efforts by northern state governments to secure schools against armed groups targeting students for ransom. UNICEF and education advocates have repeatedly warned that prolonged closures exacerbate learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, particularly in rural areas.
Despite these challenges, the Kebbi State Government insists that Government Girls’ Secondary School, Maga is now prepared to resume full academic activities under reinforced security measures.
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