Insecurity: Kebbi Shuts All Primary, Secondary Schools

The Kebbi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private primary and secondary schools amid rising security threats, marking one of the most extensive education shutdowns the state has seen in recent years.

The directive also extends to all state-owned tertiary institutions, except the College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi.

The decision was announced in a joint statement issued on Sunday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Halima Bande, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Issa Abubakar-Tunga.

Bande said the move became necessary due to “recent disturbing cases of attacks in parts of the state,” stressing that the safety of students and staff remains the government’s top priority. “Closing all secondary schools public and private is a precaution we cannot overlook given the current security realities,” she said.

The shutdown affects hundreds of schools across all 21 local government areas, including government day schools, boarding schools, and private institutions. Anxiety had been mounting among parents following recent attacks on communities and the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga.

Abubakar-Tunga explained that the government’s decision followed recommendations from security agencies. “We cannot expose students to avoidable risks. All administrators of affected institutions must comply immediately. A new resumption date will be announced once the security situation improves,” he stated.

Tertiary institutions ordered to close include Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; and the School of Remedial Studies, Yauri.

The commissioners clarified that only the College of Nursing Sciences and Midwifery, Birnin Kebbi, will remain open. They urged school authorities and the general public to remain calm and cooperate with government directives as security agencies intensify operations across the state.