The Kebbi State Government has ordered the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, almost three months after 24 female students were abducted and later rescued.
The November 2025 attack drew national attention to the insecurity facing rural boarding schools in North-West Nigeria and reignited concerns over the impact of banditry on education, particularly for girls.
Following the rescue, the school was temporarily closed to allow for security reassessment and psychosocial support 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, restoring confidence among parents and school administrators.
“We must not allow bandits to rob us of our sense of peace. Confidence has been rebuilt through counselling and the full deployment of security personnel. The school is ready to resume academic activities,” Bande said.
She added that Governor Nasir Idris had directed a series of security awareness programs for principals and staff across the state, including in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu, and Birnin Kebbi. The sessions focused on early warning mechanisms, emergency response, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies.
“Principals, vice principals, staff, and students all have important roles in maintaining school security,” Bande said, noting that host communities are key partners in protecting schools.
Education analysts say rural communities often act as first responders during attacks, highlighting the importance of community-based intelligence in areas where security coverage is limited.
Security officials emphasized preventive measures during the programs. ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), urged school managers to remain vigilant, ensure proper lighting, and watch for suspicious activity. Wale Henry, Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, highlighted the need for proper fencing, alert personnel at school gates, and monitoring internal threats.
Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, said the governor’s directives following the Maga incident have been implemented statewide to secure boarding schools and carry out vulnerability assessments. He added that a committee’s report on de-boarding policy has been submitted and is awaiting the governor’s final decision.
The reopening of Maga comes as northern states continue to face challenges securing schools from armed groups targeting students for ransom. UNICEF and education advocates have warned that prolonged school closures deepen learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, especially in rural communities.
The Kebbi State Government says Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga is now ready to resume full academic activities under enhanced security measures.
