The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has issued a directive to state coordinators of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Commanders of the Special Female Squad, and NSCDC officers nationwide, urging them to redouble their efforts in safeguarding educational institutions across the nation.
Delivering a keynote address at the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Audi emphasized the critical need for enhanced security measures in the face of escalating threats to schools.
Against the concerning backdrop of increased mass abductions of students, the Federal Government has identified schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as high-risk targets for attacks by bandits and insurgents.
These states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara, and others, are grappling with the alarming abduction of 465 pupils, teachers, and women in recent weeks.
In response to these challenges, Audi underscored the NSCDC’s pivotal role as the lead agency tasked with protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, stressing the imperative of a robust and swift response to curb attacks on schools.
“We cannot afford to stand idly by while our educational institutions come under threat. The NSCDC must proactively intervene to restore stability and security in our schools,” Audi emphasized.
Echoing the sentiments, the Deputy Commandant General in Charge of Administration, Adeyinka Ayinla, reiterated the importance of all schools registering with the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre to facilitate coordinated security efforts.
Meanwhile, Commander of the NSSRCC, Hammed Abodunrin, highlighted the center’s role in gathering and disseminating vital security intelligence to relevant authorities for prompt action. He called on schools nationwide to prioritize the timely reporting of security incidents to ensure swift and effective response measures.
