The Kebbi State Government has reopened Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, months after 24 students were abducted and later rescued.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Dr Halima Bande, announced the reopening on Tuesday following a security meeting with school principals and heads in Birnin Kebbi.
The school had been closed after the November abduction.
Bande stated that parents and students have regained confidence due to counselling and the full deployment of security personnel, allowing academic activities to resume. She added that the government is committed to implementing all necessary measures to protect students and staff.
According to her, Governor Nasir Idris has ordered security awareness programmes for principals and school staff to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Similar sessions, she said, have already taken place in Zuru, Yauri, Jega, Bunza and Argungu, with the final session held in Birnin Kebbi.
The commissioner emphasised that school security is a shared responsibility involving principals, teachers and students.
“We must not allow our collective psyche for peaceful living to be taken away by bandits,” she said.
She explained that the meetings were intended to improve security awareness and ensure schools operate smoothly within a safe learning environment.
Bande also urged schools to maintain strong ties with their host communities, describing them as key partners in local security. She further advised principals to remain in regular contact with security agencies for guidance, stressing the need for proactive measures.
Bande commended Governor Idris for approving the deployment of security operatives to schools, noting that it has restored confidence among teachers and students.
She also praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) for training school heads on security awareness and safety measures.
At the meeting, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), Kebbi Command, ACP Yakubu Lawal Gumi, warned principals against negligence.
“You must manage your schools with security consciousness. Ensure adequate lighting, as criminals detest exposure, and remain alert to suspicious characters,” he said.
The Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC, Wale Henry, highlighted the risks posed by poorly secured schools.
“The pillars of security include proper fencing, vigilance, and intelligent personnel manning school gates,” he said.
He also cautioned against internal threats such as cultism and urged strict monitoring of students.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, retired Colonel Danladi Hassan Ribah, confirmed that the directive to secure school environments across the state has been implemented.
He added that discussions on de-boarding some schools are ongoing, with a committee report already submitted and awaiting the governor’s final decision.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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