The Kebbi State Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents and groups planning to stage protests over the recent abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga. Authorities emphasize that such demonstrations could jeopardize ongoing rescue operations and escalate the fragile security situation.
Security Concerns Behind The Protest Ban
According to a statement released by Police Public Relations Officer CSP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi on November 21, 2025, the command received credible intelligence indicating that certain non-governmental organizations and groups were preparing to organize public demonstrations. The police spokesperson clarified that while the force understands public concern over the incident, any form of protest is considered misguided and counterproductive at this critical moment.
"The current security situation in the state remains fragile and unsuitable for protests or public gatherings," Kotarkoshi stated. He further explained that such gatherings could potentially trigger violence and disrupt the delicate rescue operations currently underway to secure the safe return of the kidnapped students.
Details of the Maga School Attack
The security crisis stems from a violent early morning raid on Monday, when heavily armed bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga at approximately 4:00 am. The attackers, equipped with sophisticated weapons, shot sporadically as they breached the school premises.
Police reports confirm that the criminal gang abducted twenty-five students from their hostel before security forces could intervene. Tragically, the school's deputy head was shot and killed during the attack, while a security guard sustained injuries, according to documentation prepared for United Nations authorities.
This distressing event echoes similar school abductions that have plagued Nigeria, most notably the Chibok girls' kidnapping over a decade ago that sparked international outrage.
Ongoing Rescue Operations and Public Support
Security forces have launched a comprehensive response to the crisis. Military personnel, police tactical units, and local vigilante groups have been deployed throughout the area, conducting intensive searches along suspected bandit routes and nearby forests.
CSP Kotarkoshi reaffirmed the police command's commitment to protecting lives and property while maintaining public peace. He urged residents to support security operations by reporting suspicious movements to the nearest police station or other security agencies rather than engaging in protests.
The northwest region of Nigeria has experienced increasing attacks from armed criminal gangs, commonly referred to as "bandits," who have engaged in cattle rustling, village raids, kidnappings, and violent assaults on communities.
