FG Identifies Schools at Risk of Bandit Attacks in 14 States, FCT

In response to the increasing incidents of mass abductions, the Federal Government has disclosed that schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are vulnerable to attacks by bandits and insurgents. The National Coordinator of Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria, Hajia Halima Iliya, revealed that data for at-risk schools has been collected for intervention, while the states were not explicitly named.

The identified states, according to the Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara, and three others. Recent abductions underscore the severity of the situation, with over 465 individuals still held captive.

To address the security challenges, the Safe Schools Initiative, launched in response to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction, is in progress. The initiative combines school-based interventions, community efforts, and specific measures for vulnerable populations. The Federal Government has allocated funds, with a $10 million contribution and a matching pledge from the private sector. Additionally, N15 billion has been budgeted for the Safe Schools Initiative in the 2023 fiscal year.

Hajia Halima Iliya emphasized the program’s implementation, stating that it began in 2023 with the establishment of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre. States have selected the most at-risk schools for intervention, and some have already included the Safe Schools Programme in their 2024 budgets.

Regarding fortifying schools, Iliya mentioned ongoing efforts, including the training of security personnel and the deployment of equipment. The Defence headquarters and Department of Security Services are expected to integrate Safe Schools into their operations.

The Commander of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, Hammed Abodunrin, condemned the recent abductions, emphasizing the need for community awareness and cooperation. Patrols are being conducted, and communities are encouraged to register schools on the official platform for accessibility.

The implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative is a four-year project simultaneously carried out in all states. Abodunrin highlighted the proactive measures taken, including sensitization and community engagement, with each state having Safe School Desk Officers/Coordinators.

Various state commands of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) are actively involved in the Safe School Initiative. Despite mobility challenges, efforts are underway to safeguard schools, with the engagement of personnel from different security agencies.

In response to recent kidnappings, the Presidency attributed them to sub-regional geopolitical forces aiming to destabilize the government. Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, assured that the government is actively responding, receiving support from the United States to address regional forces at play.

Ngelale emphasized the administration’s commitment to collaboration, both regionally and internationally, to counteract those conspiring against Nigeria. He acknowledged challenges in the North-Central, North-West, and Northeast, highlighting ongoing efforts to extend security coverage.

Ngelale concluded by supporting the idea of capital punishment for kidnappers, suggesting legislative reform to enforce a death penalty for perpetrators.