The Bauchi State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of all public and private schools across the state following heightened security concerns. The directive affects state-owned primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as Federal Government–owned schools operating within the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman, who said the decision was reached after extensive consultations and in response to growing threats targeting school communities.
“This decision, though difficult, was taken by the Government of Bauchi State after extensive consultations and in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state,” the statement read.
The government appealed for calm, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
“We call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic but to remain calm and supportive. The government is working closely with security agencies to address these concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so,” it added.
Bauchi becomes the latest state to shut down schools amid rising insecurity and a wave of student abductions in various parts of the country.
Recent attacks have deepened nationwide alarm.
On November 17, 2025, armed men breached the fence of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting 25 schoolgirls—a chilling reminder of the Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings. A teacher was killed while defending the students, and a security guard later died from gunshot wounds. Two of the abducted girls managed to escape days later, according to local officials.
In Niger State, gunmen stormed St. Mary’s Papiri Private Catholic Secondary School, abducting scores of students and teachers in an early morning raid on November 21. Attackers arrived on over 60 motorcycles, shooting the gatekeeper and leaving him critically injured.
The violence has not been limited to schools. The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Oke-Isegun, Eruku in Kwara State was attacked last Tuesday, leaving three worshippers dead and 38 abducted—all of whom have since regained freedom.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reacting to the rising attacks, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring national security. In a statement posted on his official X handle, the president said every Nigerian deserves safety and commended security agencies for their recent rescue operations. He added that he is “closely monitoring the security situation nationwide.”
The Federal Government has also moved to safeguard students. On Friday, the Ministry of Education ordered the immediate closure of all 41 Unity Schools nationwide due to the escalating wave of abductions.
Similarly, state governments in Plateau, Katsina, Taraba, Adamawa, and Niger have ordered the closure of all basic schools, citing an urgent need to protect learners from imminent threats.
As the closures widen and security agencies intensify operations, many Nigerians await decisive actions that will ensure classrooms remain safe and learning can resume without fear.
