January 3, 2026 | Birnin Kebbi, Nigeria — Dalena Reporters
The Kebbi State Government has officially directed the reopening of all primary and secondary schools across the state that were previously closed due to a series of terrorist-linked security threats and abductions, government statements confirmed on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
In separate circulars issued by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Kebbi authorities set Monday, January 5, 2026, as the resumption date for the second term of the 2025/2026 academic session. The notices were jointly signed by SUBEB’s Public Relations Officer, Isah Ibrahim, and the Ministry’s Deputy Director (Academics), Aliyu Bagarawa.
The statements urged all school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and education secretaries to take due note of the order and ensure “strict compliance.” School heads have been instructed to make all necessary preparations to guarantee a smooth return to teaching and learning activities, while parents and guardians were also advised to ensure that their children and wards return to school promptly.
In a related circular, zonal education officers, principals, head teachers, and proprietors of private schools were informed that the first week of resumption (January 5–9) will be devoted to the conduct of outstanding first-term examinations, with normal academic activities slated to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026. Authorities emphasised that all schools must adhere strictly to the approved resumption timetable and examination schedule.
This directive marks a major policy shift after widespread concern over school safety in Kebbi State amid a surge in militant activity. Schools were earlier closed in the wake of a terrorist attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where 25 schoolgirls were abducted by armed bandits in November 2025 and the vice-principal was killed during the assault a tragedy that heightened national alarm over educational security.
Governor Nasir Idris condemned the November attack and demanded an investigation into why security forces were withdrawn from the school prior to the assault. He later confirmed the release of the abducted students on November 25, 2025, insisting that no ransom was paid by either the state or federal governments and attributing the successful rescue to robust efforts by security agencies.
The reopening of schools underlines the state government’s intent to balance continuity in education with heightened vigilance on student safety, even as broader regional concerns linger regarding banditry and insurgent threats across northern Nigeria.