JUST IN: Kwara Reopens Schools as Security Operations Continues Against Banditry

The Kwara State Government has announced the reopening of schools across the state from Monday, citing notable improvement in the security situation following sustained operations against bandits and other criminal elements.

The announcement was contained in a statement released on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development, Peter Amogbonjaye, quoting the Commissioner for Education, Lawal Olohungbebe.

According to the statement, school authorities across the state have been officially informed of the decision.

“The government considers the situation to be far better than it was previously. Nevertheless, vigilance remains in place.

“Security operations are ongoing to consolidate recent gains, while efforts are being made to strengthen community resilience alongside kinetic actions by security agencies,” the statement read.

The reopening follows the closure of schools ordered in November 2025, when worsening insecurity—particularly in border communities and forested areas—raised concerns over banditry and kidnapping incidents.

At the time, the government said the decision to shut schools was a precautionary step aimed at protecting students, teachers and non-academic staff amid fears of attacks on educational institutions.

iDeemlawful had reported that the security situation deteriorated late last year, prompting increased troop deployment and joint security operations across affected local government areas.

Only weeks ago, the closure of the Kwara State College of Education, Oro, due to security threats, forcing students off campus and disrupting academic activities.

The closure of the College of Education further heightened concerns among parents, education stakeholders and residents over school safety in the state.

However, the state government said sustained military and security operations in recent weeks had resulted in the neutralisation of several criminal elements and the restoration of relative calm in previously troubled areas.

Security agencies are maintaining a strong presence in vulnerable communities, while intelligence gathering and community engagement have been intensified to prevent a resurgence of attacks.

The government urged parents, teachers and school administrators to cooperate with security agencies and remain vigilant, assuring residents that adequate measures are in place to safeguard learners and education workers across the state.