The Kebbi State Government has approved the reopening of the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, months after the school was shut down following the abduction of students by bandits.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr. Halima Bande, announced the decision on Tuesday while briefing journalists after a security meeting with principals and heads of schools in Birnin Kebbi.
She said the reopening followed the successful rescue of the schoolgirls abducted during the November 2025 attack, an incident that led the state government to temporarily close schools as a precautionary measure.
Bande explained that the government had taken deliberate steps to restore confidence among parents, students and teachers before approving the resumption of academic activities at the school.
According to her, counselling sessions have been conducted for the affected students, while security personnel have been fully deployed to the school to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
She assured that Governor Nasir Idris remained committed to guaranteeing the safety of students and staff across the state, adding that comprehensive security arrangements have now been put in place.
As part of these measures, the governor has directed the organisation of security awareness programmes for school administrators and staff to strengthen vigilance and preparedness.
The commissioner noted that similar security engagement sessions had earlier been held in education zones such as Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza and Argungu, with the final session conducted in Birnin Kebbi.
She stressed that school security is a shared responsibility, requiring the active involvement of principals, teachers, non-teaching staff and students.
“We must not allow criminals to disrupt our peaceful way of life or derail the education of our children,” she said, adding that the forums were designed to promote security consciousness and ensure a safe, conducive learning environment.
Bande also urged school authorities to build and maintain strong relationships with their host communities, describing local residents as critical partners in safeguarding school environments.
She further advised principals to maintain regular contact with security agencies for guidance and timely intervention, emphasising the need for proactive rather than reactive measures.
Commending Governor Idris for approving the deployment of security operatives to schools, the commissioner said the decision has reassured teachers and students and encouraged a return to normal academic activities.
She also praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their role in training school heads on security awareness and safety strategies.
At the meeting, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, cautioned school administrators against negligence, warning that lapses could expose schools to criminal attacks.
He advised principals to improve lighting within school premises and remain alert to suspicious movements.
Similarly, the Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC in Kebbi State, Wale Henry, expressed concern over inadequate fencing in some schools, stressing that proper perimeter barriers, vigilance and trained personnel at entry points are key components of effective school security.
He also warned against internal security threats, including cultism and other social vices, urging strict monitoring of students.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, retired Colonel Danladi Hassan Ribah, confirmed that the governor’s directive to secure school environments across the state has been implemented.
He said the series of meetings with school principals were aimed at consolidating efforts to ensure safer schools statewide.
On the issue of de-boarding some schools, Col. Ribah disclosed that a committee set up by the government had submitted its report, adding that the state was awaiting the governor’s final decision on the matter.
With the reopening of the Maga school, the Kebbi State Government says it is determined to balance access to education with robust security measures to protect students and restore public confidence in the safety of schools.
