Northern Governors Take Emergency Action on School Security
Ten northern Nigerian states have implemented sweeping school closures and enhanced security measures following a dangerous new wave of attacks targeting educational institutions across the region. The coordinated response comes amid growing concerns about student safety and the escalating security crisis in northern Nigeria.
Yobe, Kwara, Kano, Kebbi, Kaduna, Plateau, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, and Taraba states have all taken decisive action, with most ordering immediate school shutdowns or deploying additional security personnel to protect learning facilities.
State-by-State Security Measures Implemented
In Yobe State, Governor Mai Mala Buni ordered all boarding secondary schools closed after the state security council reviewed threats across all 17 local government areas. The directive came through a notice signed by Dr. Bukar Aji Bukar, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Governor Buni has called on residents to offer prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the military, and security agencies as they work to restore stability to the troubled region.
Kwara State has taken a different approach, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq announcing increased surveillance around schools and places of worship in the southern part of the state. This decision followed a tragic attack on Christ Apostolic Church Oke Isegun in Eruku, where gunmen killed six worshippers and abducted thirty others.
"Our government has put in place different security arrangements to put schools and places of worship in the southern part under elevated surveillance for maximum safety," Governor AbdulRazaq stated, confirming strong mobilization of Nigerian Army personnel into Eruku.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Kwara confirmed that schools in Isin, Irepodun, Ifelodun, and Ekiti Local Government Areas received immediate closure orders due to security concerns.
Proactive Security Measures Across Northern States
Kano State has taken a proactive approach by recruiting 1,600 watchmen to strengthen security in public secondary schools. Governor Abba Yusuf's spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, described the deployment as a step toward restoring discipline and stability in educational institutions.
This move came in response to the recent attack in Kebbi State where 25 girls were abducted and the vice-principal was killed.
Kebbi State itself has closed schools in towns and villages affected by recent attacks. Abdullahi Idris Zuru, Special Adviser to the Governor, noted that while the current administration inherited banditry problems, they have successfully degraded insurgent activities by providing adequate logistics to military forces.
Schools in both urban and rural areas of Kebbi are now under 24-hour surveillance with joint deployments of army personnel, police officers, vigilante groups, and DSS operatives.
Kaduna State continues implementing its comprehensive Safe Schools Policy, which includes school risk mapping, community engagement, improved coordination with security agencies, and detailed emergency response plans. Officials confirmed that patrols around vulnerable areas have been significantly enhanced.
Intelligence-Driven Closures and Federal Response
Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board ordered immediate closure of basic schools in response to specific intelligence reports indicating potential threats. The board emphasized this was a temporary measure to prevent attacks, with schools remaining shut until security arrangements are strengthened.
Sokoto State has reaffirmed its policy of situating all boarding schools in urban centers, following earlier relocations from high-risk rural areas. Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Professor Ibrahim Alhassan, confirmed that the recent Kebbi abduction has halted plans to return schools to their original locations.
Katsina State has increased physical security in schools after a sobering review revealed hundreds of student abductions since 2020. The government has introduced community-based child protection committees while providing fencing, guards, and trained dogs to vulnerable schools. Psychosocial support and teacher training programs are ongoing.
In Niger State, authorities closed boarding schools in insecure areas after receiving credible intelligence about heightened threats. Secretary to the State Government Abubakar Usman revealed that St. Mary's Secondary School had reopened without proper clearance before Friday's attack, unnecessarily exposing students to danger.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas directed all secondary schools, both public and private, to shut their boarding facilities as a precaution against rising abduction cases. Commissioner for Education Dr. Augustina Godwin emphasized that worsening security trends make boarding students particularly vulnerable, requiring all schools to operate strictly as day institutions.
The federal government has also taken action, ordering the closure of 44 Unity Colleges due to "recent security challenges" and the need to prevent security breaches. The directive, approved by Education Minister Tunji Alausa, requires affected school principals to comply immediately.
Nigeria continues to grapple with a surge in mass abductions of students, including recent attacks in Kebbi and Niger states where dozens of children were kidnapped in separate incidents. Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu has appealed for public support as security operations intensify across the affected regions.
