Kebbi State reopens schools after abduction surge, exams to begin Monday

The Kebbi State Government has directed all public and private schools to reopen on Monday, January 5, 2026, for the second term of the 2025/2026 session, after a statewide shutdown triggered by the November 2025 abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga.
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‎The Maga attack was brutal, resulting in the death of the vice-principal of the school. While all 25 girls were eventually rescued by security agencies in late November, without ransom according to the government, the abduction led to the closure of hundreds of institutions to prevent potential abduction.
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‎The first week of school which will kick start on Jan 5-9, will be dedicated to finishing examinations from the previous term, with regular classes resuming on Monday, January 12.
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‎Governor Nasir Idris has questioned the military’s decision to withdraw troops from the Maga school shortly before the bandits struck, demanding accountability within the security sector.
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‎Despite the school reopening, local residents raise concerns about the strong presence of bandits in other parts of the state, particularly in Shanga and Yauri local government areas.
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