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The Kebbi State Government has announced the reopening of Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, following the abduction and subsequent rescue of 24 students.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Bande, disclosed this while briefing journalists after a security meeting with principals and school heads in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The decision comes months after gunmen abducted students from the school in November last year. Authorities later rescued all the victims, who met Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House on 25 November 2025.
Dr Bande said counselling sessions and the full deployment of security personnel have restored confidence among parents and students, clearing the way for academic activities to resume.
She assured that the government would implement comprehensive security measures to protect students and staff. According to her, Governor Idris has ordered security awareness programmes for principals and school personnel to prevent a recurrence.
She noted that similar sessions had already taken place in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza and Argungu, with the final one held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The commissioner stressed that principals, teachers and students all share responsibility for school safety. “We must not allow bandits to destroy our collective sense of peaceful living,” she said.
She explained that the meetings aimed to promote smooth school operations through heightened security awareness and a conducive learning environment.
Dr Bande also urged schools to maintain strong ties with their host communities, describing them as key partners in local security. She advised principals to keep regular contact with security agencies for professional guidance and proactive support.
She praised Governor Idris for approving the deployment of security personnel to schools, saying the move has boosted the confidence of teachers and students. She also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services for educating school heads on security awareness.
At the meeting, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Kebbi State Command, ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, warned principals against negligence that could expose schools to criminals. He advised them to ensure proper lighting and remain vigilant against suspicious activity.
Similarly, the Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, Wale Henry, criticised poor fencing in some schools and called for stronger physical barriers, vigilance and intelligent gate management.
He also cautioned against internal security threats such as cultism and other moral challenges, urging strict monitoring to protect students from harmful influences.
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 schools statewide had been implemented.
He added that the security meetings were designed to consolidate efforts towards safe and conducive learning environments. On the de-boarding of some schools, he said a committee had submitted its report and the government was awaiting the governor’s final decision.
