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 from the school before they were later rescued.

The November 2025 attack on the school drew national concern over the vulnerability of rural boarding schools in the North-West and reignited debate on the impact of banditry on education, especially for girls.

While local and federal security agencies coordinated the rescue of the victims, the government temporarily suspended activities in Maga to allow for security re-evaluation and psychosocial counselling for affected students.

On Tuesday, the state Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, told journalists in Birnin Kebbi that the state has now established improved security protocols across boarding schools and restored confidence 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 directed a series of security awareness programmes for principals and school staff across the state to reduce vulnerabilities.

The sessions, held in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza, Argungu and Birnin Kebbi, focused on early warning mechanisms, emergency response, community relations 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 say rural communities often serve as first responders when schools come under threat, highlighting the importance of community-based intelligence-gathering in areas where security coverage remains stretched.

During the session, security agencies also emphasized preventive measures. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, warned school managers to avoid complacency.

“You must manage your schools with security consciousness,” he said. “Ensure adequate lighting, as criminals detest exposure, and remain alert to suspicious characters.”

Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Wale Henry, drew attention to physical infrastructure deficiencies that could enable security breaches, noting that “the pillars of security include proper fencing, vigilance and intelligent personnel manning school gates.”

He also urged principals to watch for internal threats, citing concerns over moral and behavioral issues that could undermine safety within school premises.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Danladi Ribah (retd.), said measures ordered by the governor after the Maga incident have now been enforced statewide.

“The governor directed that boarding schools be secured and that vulnerability assessments be carried out,” he said, adding that the objective is a “safe and conducive learning environment.”

On the ongoing policy debate over de-boarding, Ribah disclosed that a committee had submitted its report and that the government was awaiting a final decision from Governor Idris.

The reopening of Maga comes as state governments across northern Nigeria continue to grapple with the broader challenge of securing education, which has been repeatedly disrupted by armed groups targeting schools for ransom.

UNICEF and education campaigners have consistently warned that prolonged closures deepen learning gaps and discourage girl-child education, particularly in rural communities.

Despite these challenges, the Kebbi State Government insists the school is now prepared for full academic activities under strengthened security supervision. (The PUNCH)

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