ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Kebbi State Government has directed the reopening of the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, almost three months after 24 female students were abducted from the institution and subsequently rescued.
The November 2025 assault on the school sparked nationwide concern about the exposure of rural boarding schools in the North-West and revived discussions on the effect of banditry on education, particularly girls’ education.
Although local and federal security agencies successfully coordinated the rescue operation, the state government temporarily shut down activities in Maga to allow for a comprehensive security review and psychosocial support for the affected students.
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Speaking to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, said the state had since put in place enhanced security measures across boarding schools and worked to rebuild trust among parents and school authorities.
“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 added that Governor Nasir Idris had approved a series of security awareness programmes for principals and school staff across the state aimed at reducing exposure to security risks.
The programmes, conducted 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 vital roles to play in maintaining school security,” she said, describing host communities as “critical stakeholders in the security architecture of schools.”
Education analysts note that rural communities often act as first responders during security threats to schools, underscoring the value of community-based intelligence in areas where security presence is limited.
At the sessions, security agencies also stressed the importance of preventive strategies.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, cautioned school administrators against complacency.
“You must manage your schools with security consciousness,” he said. “Ensure adequate lighting, as criminals detest exposure, and remain alert to suspicious characters.”
Similarly, the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Wale Henry, highlighted infrastructural gaps that could expose schools to attacks, noting that “the pillars of security include proper fencing, vigilance and intelligent personnel manning school gates.”
He further advised school heads to be mindful of internal risks, pointing to moral and behavioural concerns that could compromise safety within school environments.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), said directives issued by the governor following the Maga incident had now been implemented across the state.
“The governor directed that boarding schools be secured and that vulnerability assessments be carried out,” he said, explaining that the goal is to ensure a “safe and conducive learning environment.”
On the debate surrounding de-boarding, Ribah disclosed that a committee had submitted its findings and that the government was awaiting a final decision from Governor Idris.
The reopening of the Maga school comes amid ongoing efforts by northern state governments to address the wider challenge of securing educational institutions, which have frequently been targeted by armed groups seeking ransom.
UNICEF and education advocates have repeatedly warned that prolonged school closures worsen learning gaps and deter girl-child education, especially in rural areas.
Despite these concerns, the Kebbi State Government maintains that the school is now ready to fully resume academic activities under reinforced security supervision.