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 attack sparked nationwide concern over the safety of rural boarding schools in the North-West and renewed debate about the impact of banditry on education, particularly for girls.
Following the incident, the state government suspended activities in Maga to allow for a comprehensive security review and psychosocial counselling for affected students, even as local and federal security agencies coordinated the rescue of the victims.
Speaking to journalists on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Bande, said improved security measures have now been put in place across boarding schools in the state, restoring confidence among parents, students, and school administrators.
“We must not allow bandits to destroy our collective psyche for peaceful living,” Bande said. “Confidence has been rebuilt through counselling and the full deployment of security personnel. The school is now ready to resume normal academic activities.”
She explained that Governor Nasir Idris approved a series of security awareness programmes for principals and school staff across the state to reduce vulnerabilities in boarding institutions.
The sessions, held in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu and Birnin Kebbi, focused on early-warning systems, emergency response, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies.
“Principals, vice principals, staff and students all have critical roles to play in maintaining school security,” Bande said, describing host communities as “key stakeholders in the security architecture of schools.”
Education analysts note that rural communities often act as first responders when schools are threatened, underscoring the importance of community-based intelligence in areas with limited security coverage.
At the sessions, security agencies emphasized preventive measures. Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, cautioned school administrators against complacency.
“Schools must be managed with security consciousness,” he said. “Ensure adequate lighting, as criminals detest exposure, and remain alert to suspicious movements.”
Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Wale Henry, highlighted infrastructure gaps that could expose schools to attacks, stressing that “effective fencing, vigilance, and intelligent personnel at school gates are pillars of security.”
He also warned principals to be mindful of internal threats, citing moral and behavioural issues that could compromise safety within school premises.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), said security directives issued after the Maga incident have now been implemented statewide.
“The governor ordered vulnerability assessments and enhanced security for all boarding schools to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment,” Ribah said.
On the ongoing debate over de-boarding, Ribah disclosed that a committee has submitted its report and that the government is awaiting Governor Idris’ final decision.
The reopening of the Maga school comes amid broader efforts by northern states to safeguard education, which has been repeatedly disrupted by armed groups targeting schools for ransom.
UNICEF and education advocates have warned that prolonged school closures widen learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, particularly in rural areas.
Despite these challenges, the Kebbi State Government maintains that Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, is now fully prepared to resume academic activities under strengthened security supervision.
