The Kebbi State Police Command has deployed tactical units and additional security personnel to rescue the 25 schoolgirls abducted by armed bandits from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, is the latest in a series of bandit assaults on schools and rural communities across northern Nigeria. It has raised fresh concerns about the safety of students, especially girls, in regions vulnerable to insecurity.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Abubakar Kotarkoshi, confirmed that the bandits, armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the school around 4:00 a.m. while shooting into the air. He said police operatives stationed in the school responded immediately and engaged the attackers in a gun duel.
Despite the response from the police personnel at the school, the attackers had already gained access to the premises by scaling the fence. They reportedly went straight to the girls’ hostel, overpowered the limited security presence, and abducted 25 students before escaping into the bush.
Kotarkoshi explained that the bandits took advantage of the dark and the school’s porous surroundings. “Unfortunately, the suspected bandits had already scaled through the fence of the school and abducted twenty-five students from their hostel to an unknown destination,” he said.
The statement also confirmed that one person, identified as Hassan Makuku, was shot dead during the attack. Another resident, Ali Shehu, sustained a gunshot injury on his right hand and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
The Kebbi State Police Command said a combined team of additional tactical units, military personnel, and local vigilantes has been deployed to the area. They are currently combing possible escape routes and forests believed to be used by the bandits.
Security operatives have also intensified patrols around the community and neighbouring villages to prevent further attacks and to track the movement of the kidnappers.
The PPRO said the mission is aimed at rescuing the abducted girls safely and bringing the criminals to justice. “The combined team of security personnel is currently combing the bandits’ routes and nearby forest, with a view to rescue the abducted students and possibly arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly act,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Sani, condemned the attack and described it as “regrettable” and “unacceptable.” He assured residents that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property in the state despite the growing challenges posed by armed groups.
He also urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative. “The Commissioner of Police appeals to members of the public to remain calm, vigilant, and continue supporting police operations for peace and stability to be maintained,” the statement said.
The attack on GGCSS Maga is another reminder of the insecurity affecting schools across northern Nigeria. Over the past decade, hundreds of students have been abducted in various states including Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, and now Kebbi.
The most infamous case remains the 2014 Chibok abduction in Borno State, where more than 270 schoolgirls were taken by Boko Haram fighters. Since then, criminal bandit groups have increasingly adopted student abductions as a strategy for ransom and negotiation.
In June 2021, Kebbi State itself witnessed a major school kidnapping when dozens of students were abducted from Federal Government College, Birnin Yauri. Many were rescued after military operations, though some remained missing for months.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger protection of schools, including fencing, surveillance, and the deployment of more security personnel. They warn that without urgent action, education in rural areas may suffer severe setbacks.
Following Monday’s attack, the community of Maga has been thrown into fear. Residents say the school has long been vulnerable to attacks due to its location and limited security presence. Many families have gathered at the school and nearby police stations, seeking information about the condition of their daughters.
Local leaders say the killing of Hassan Makuku has deepened the community’s sorrow. Makuku is believed to have played a role in trying to protect the students during the attack.
“He died while trying to help the girls,” a resident told journalists. “The entire village is mourning.”
Although state officials have not yet issued a detailed statement, public expectations are high. Many Nigerians are calling on the federal and state governments to take stronger measures to stop the rising wave of kidnappings.
As of the time of this report, the search for the 25 abducted girls continues. Security forces are on the ground, while families and residents wait anxiously for good news.
