Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has issued a directive for the immediate deployment of undercover security personnel to schools and their surrounding communities in the North-West zone and various other regions of the country. This initiative aims to safeguard educational institutions from potential attacks by bandits.
Under the Commandant’s guidance, these undercover agents are instructed to collaborate with the state ministries of education to ensure the successful implementation of safety measures in schools. Over 200 NSCDC personnel, in conjunction with local vigilantes and other stakeholders from the seven states in the North-West geopolitical zone, have participated in a comprehensive five-day training program as part of the Safe Schools Initiative, which is managed by the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre.
The National Strategic Plan for the Safe Schools Initiative seeks to foster cooperation among security agencies, particularly in the realms of evidence-based collaboration, coordination, and cooperation. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps holds a lead role within this strategic plan.
Furthermore, the Commandant General noted, “The Corps is also the host of the Centre, tasked with coordinating safety and security responses for schools and host communities in collaboration with all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.” He emphasized that this Center is the first of its kind in Africa, with a unique mandate to provide safety and security prevention and protection measures for schools and host communities. Given the recurring attacks and violence in schools across the country, the Center faces substantial challenges.
To address these challenges effectively, the Commandant General stressed the importance of synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders, including the federal, state, and local governments. He also highlighted that the Standard Operating Procedure of the Center includes provisions for the establishment of state coordinating centers and local government response centers to ensure a seamless and efficient operation.
Consequently, he requested the allocation of existing structures in each state capital in the North-West to serve as safe school coordination centers. The Commandant General reminded the participants that their role is crucial as they serve as both ambassadors of the Center and as front-line representatives directly engaged with school communities.
