The Zamfara State Government says it is not considering shutting down schools despite rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions across northern Nigeria. Instead, officials say new security measures have been put in place to protect learning centres and ensure pupils continue classes without fear of attacks.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Wadatau Madawaki, made the remarks while addressing journalists at an event organised by the Federated Association of Zamfara State Students in Gusau. His assurances follow the abduction of 25 students from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, and the attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, where about 315 students and staff were taken.

While several northern states have responded to the surge in attacks by shutting down schools, Zamfara insists it will not follow that approach. The state says it is instead strengthening security around educational institutions to prevent bandit incursions.

Madawaki said, “We have already done what we are supposed to do, and when you talk about security, you do not disclose your actions to the media. But we have taken steps to safeguard the interests of our students. The security of the schools and children is well taken care of.”

He added, “We are in contact with all the security agencies, and they are giving us the necessary support to ensure our schools operate without hindrance. We believe nothing will happen, and our education will continue to flourish until the end of the academic term.”

The commissioner explained that states ordering mass closures largely operate boarding schools, which are more vulnerable because students sleep on school premises. Zamfara, he said, currently runs mainly day schools due to persistent insecurity and therefore faces different risk dynamics.

He said, “As of now, most of the states that have closed their schools operate boarding systems where students stay in hostels. Bandits often strike at night when people are asleep. Here, we are yet to resume our boarding system. Our schools run during the day.”

Madawaki noted that schools in areas considered unsafe are already closed until conditions improve. “Where we feel there is insecurity, the schools have already been closed. Where there is relative peace, we have allowed students to continue since the term is almost ending. If there is a need to extend holidays, we shall do so,” he said.

He added that some higher institutions, including the state university, polytechnic and college of education, are already on holiday. “They are due to resume in December, but because they keep boarding students, we will extend their holidays until January to assess the situation before they return.”

Major abductions in Kebbi and Niger over the past week have triggered widespread concern and led to school closures across several states. In Niger, armed attackers abducted 303 pupils and 12 teachers from St Mary’s Catholic School on Friday, though about 50 pupils later escaped. Security forces, local vigilantes and hunters are searching for the remaining captives. In Kebbi, gunmen kidnapped 25 schoolgirls after killing a senior staff member.

Katsina, Taraba, Plateau, Bauchi and Kebbi States have all ordered full or partial shutdowns of schools. The Federal Government also directed the closure of 47 Unity Colleges nationwide.

UNICEF condemned the attacks, while church authorities confirmed the number of abducted children. President Bola Tinubu said the incidents left him “depressed,” ordering defence chiefs to relocate to affected states and personally oversee rescue efforts. He cancelled scheduled travel to monitor the situation closely, saying he would not “relent” and stressing that securing the abducted students is “a national priority.”