Kwara Reopens Schools as Security Forces Intensify Operations Against Bandits

The Kwara State Government has announced the reopening of schools across the state from Monday, citing significant improvements in the security situation following sustained operations by security forces against bandits and other criminal elements.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, quoting the Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olohungbebe. School authorities across the state have since been formally notified.

According to the statement, the government believes the situation has improved considerably, though vigilance remains necessary. It noted that security operations are ongoing to consolidate recent gains, while efforts are also being made to strengthen community resilience alongside kinetic operations by security agencies.

The reopening comes months after the state government ordered the closure of schools in November 2025 due to rising security concerns, particularly in border communities and forested areas affected by banditry and kidnapping.

At the time, the government said the closures were a precautionary measure aimed at protecting students, teachers and school workers amid fears of possible attacks on educational institutions. The security situation had deteriorated late last year, prompting increased troop deployment and joint security operations in affected local government areas.

Only weeks ago, the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, was also shut down following security threats in the area, forcing students to vacate the campus and disrupting academic activities. The development heightened concerns among parents, education stakeholders and residents about the safety of schools in the state.

However, the state government said recent sustained military and security operations have led to the neutralisation of several criminal elements and the restoration of relative calm in previously affected areas.

Security agencies are maintaining a strong presence in vulnerable communities, while intelligence gathering and community engagement have been intensified to prevent a resurgence of attacks.

The government urged parents, teachers and school administrators to cooperate with security agencies and remain alert, assuring residents that measures have been put in place to guarantee the safety of learners and education workers across the state.