The Kebbi State Government has announced 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 highlighted the vulnerability of rural boarding schools in North-West Nigeria and renewed concerns about the impact of banditry on education, especially for girls. After 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 and parents and school administrators are confident about reopening. “We must not allow our collective sense of peace to be taken away by bandits. Confidence has been restored 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 initiated security awareness programs for principals and staff across the state, including in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu, and Birnin Kebbi. The programs focused on early warning systems, emergency response, community engagement, and collaboration with security agencies. “Principals, vice principals, staff, and students all have important roles to play in maintaining school security,” Bande said, noting that host communities are critical stakeholders in protecting schools. Education analysts say rural communities often act as first responders during attacks, underscoring the importance of community-based intelligence in areas with limited security coverage. 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 importance of proper fencing, vigilant personnel at school gates, and monitoring internal threats. Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, said that directives from the governor following the Maga incident have been implemented across the state to secure boarding schools and assess vulnerabilities. He also mentioned that a committee report on de-boarding policy has been submitted and is awaiting the governor’s final decision. The reopening of Maga comes as northern state governments continue to face challenges in securing schools against armed groups targeting students for ransom. UNICEF and education advocates have warned that prolonged closures worsen learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, particularly in rural areas. The Kebbi State Government says the school is now ready to resume full academic activities under enhanced security supervision.
