Parents and community leaders in Niger State have expressed concern over the reopening of schools, citing the continued risks to children and education workers in areas affected by insecurity.
Several schools in Shiroro, Agwara, Rafi, and Mariga local government areas are located in communities that have experienced repeated attacks, kidnappings, and threats.
The November 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara, which prompted a state-wide closure, remains a reference point for assessing safety in schools across the state. Residents have said reopening without adequate security could expose students to similar risks. 
Mohammed Musa Alawa, Deputy Imam of Allawa Central Mosque in Shiroro LGA questioned the government’s handling of school closures and reopening, saying the situation remains unsafe, Saharareporters can report.
“Firstly, I need to question the government’s act on school closure; is school closure actually meant to combat insecurity? If it’s a yes, then I guess reopening schools at this moment is not safe,” Alawa said.
He also highlighted specific schools in insecure areas as unsafe for children to attend.
“For instance, Model Primary School, Allawa, as listed among the schools reopened, I will never let my child go there as there has been no one in Allawa since April 25, 2024 when the government withdrew the military stationed there,” he said.
“Actually, the only modalities I would like the government to put in place is none other than to take necessary measures on combating these cruel beings. Wiping them or driving them out of the state is the only solution that will guarantee the safety of our children,” Alawa added.
Alawa raised concerns about the effect of armed presence near schools.
He said, “While I understand that in some areas vigilantes are guarding schools, the presence of armed men on school premises can instill fear in students and hinder their ability to focus on their studies.”
The Lapkama Freedom Fighters (LFF) said schools could only be reopened where there is “visible, sustained and credible security presence alongside clear emergency response mechanisms.”
They warned that reopening schools in areas with ongoing threats “exposes innocent children and education workers to grave dangers.”
LFF said they had engaged security agencies, conducted public awareness campaigns, and advocated for a coordinated school safety framework involving government, communities, and security forces.
They said they were “willing and ready to collaborate with government and security agencies on school safety assessment, support community-based early warning and protection initiatives around schools.”
Recent incidents have underscored ongoing risks.
An IED explosion between Kududu and Chukuba in Shiroro, along with repeated attacks in Papiri, indicates that some schools officially cleared for reopening remain in areas of concern. Parents said children should only return “where there is safety, protection and a chance for our children to learn in peace.”
Schools approved for reopening in Agwara, Rafi, and Mariga LGAs include Alhaji Zakari Mohammed Sani Nursery and Primary School; Army Children School, Wawa; Federal Government Girls College Staff Nursery and Primary School; and Waziri Primary School.
Some residents said insecurity in these areas has raised doubts about whether reopening is feasible without additional safety measures.
The Niger State Government has emphasised that schools in unsafe areas remain closed until credible security is restored.
Authorities have urged stakeholders to comply with reopening directives while prioritising the safety and educational development of students.
As of the time of filing this report, Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, had not responded to SaharaReporters’ requests for comment on the safety of schools in the affected areas.
