The National Security Advisor (NSA) assures special focus on enhancing school security

Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, has emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration will prioritize the safety and security of students and schools across the nation. Ribadu made this statement during a Strategic Forum on Achieving Safer Schools organized by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja on Wednesday.

Themed “Imperative for a safer teaching and learning environment for the future of Nigeria’s national development: the need for national collective action,” the program aimed to enhance collaboration among security agencies in addressing various security challenges, including the alarming incidents of mass kidnappings in schools.

Ribadu, speaking through Major General A.M Dikko (rtd) at the event, acknowledged that education is a cornerstone of societal progress. He stressed the importance of safeguarding educational institutions at all levels, highlighting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to collaborating with state and local government authorities to reform the educational system. This collaboration will involve focusing on school security, teacher and student welfare, and training.

Ribadu further highlighted that the intrusion of bandits and armed individuals into schools has adversely affected school enrollment, particularly in the northern region. He called on all security agencies to prioritize intelligence gathering and sharing to counteract this menace.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who hosted the program, affirmed the Tinubu administration’s determination to secure students and create a safe learning environment.

Distinguished figures attending the event included Chief of Defense Staff, Maj-Gen C G Musa, represented by Air Vice Marshal A.V. Ndache; Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, represented by Commodore S.M Ahmed; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, represented by Brig Gen G.O Esho.

The mass abductions of students by bandits have been a significant security challenge during the tenure of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari. Notable incidents include the abduction of over 300 schoolgirls in Jangebe, Zamfara State, in February 2021, and the kidnapping of students and workers at Government Science College in Kagara, Niger State, in the same month. In 2020, bandits abducted over 300 schoolboys from Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State. Prior to these incidents, non-state actors had also abducted secondary school girls from Chibok in Borno State and Dapchi in Yobe State.