The Niger State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all public and private schools across the state following a renewed wave of insecurity involving schoolchildren in Agwara Local Government Area.
The directive, issued through a circular from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education on November 22, 2025, comes in response to the kidnapping of students of St. Mary Catholic Church, Papiri, in Agwara.
The circular, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Hajiya Aishetu Nuhu, was addressed to Area Directors, Education Secretaries, principals, head teachers, and proprietors of all categories of schools, including missionary, Islamic, and private institutions, as well as Federal Government Colleges operating within the state.
According to the ministry, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago ordered the shutdown as a precautionary measure to prevent further attacks on schools and safeguard the lives of children.
“The closure is to protect schoolchildren from being exposed to additional security breaches until the situation is brought under control,” the statement read.
The directive affects all primary and secondary schools, and the ministry emphasized that compliance is compulsory.
It further stated that no school is allowed to reopen in any form until an official clearance is issued by the state government.
The government described the measure as necessary, citing the rising cases of abductions targeting educational institutions in the region.
The latest incident has heightened fear among parents and increased pressure on the government to act decisively.
While reassuring stakeholders of its commitment to restoring safety, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education encouraged cooperation from school authorities as security operations continue in the affected areas.
