The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken a proactive measure to enhance security in schools nationwide. Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of NSCDC, has ordered the immediate deployment of undercover agents to schools and host communities for this purpose.
This directive was given by the CG during the closing ceremony of a five-day capacity-building program on Safe School Response in Kaduna. Over 200 NSCDC personnel and stakeholders from the seven states in the North West region attended the program, which was organized by the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC).
The partnership between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Education in each state, as well as the Local Education Authorities, will be crucial for the successful implementation of this directive.
The capacity-building program aimed to strengthen the resilience of relevant stakeholders, including vigilante groups, retired security personnel, host communities, and serving NSCDC personnel. Participants were equipped with strategies and knowledge on how to protect schools and host communities from violence and attacks.
Mr. Audi, who was represented by ACG Training and Capacity Building, David Abi, highlighted the importance of the NSSRCC in the implementation strategy of the National Plan on Safe Schools. This plan was developed by the government to foster synergy among security agencies and stakeholders in ensuring the safety of schools.
Mr Audi acknowledged the increasing cases of attacks and violence in schools in Nigeria, which has led to a rise in the number of out-of-school children. He emphasized that the NSCDC is the lead agency and headquarters of the Centre, responsible for coordinating safety and security response for schools and host communities in collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
Given the recurring attacks and violence, Mr. Audi emphasized the need for effective synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Federal, State, and Local Governments. The Standard Operating Procedure of the Centre provides for the creation of state coordinating centres and local government response centres, ensuring a seamless and effective operation.
Mr. Audi called upon the participants to put the knowledge gained from the training into practice and discharge their duties effectively. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration and harmony between members of vigilante groups, private guard companies, and security agencies for the protection of schools.
The General Officer Commanding of the 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro stated that the national plan for safe schools is a program designed to foster synergy among security agencies. He added that the Chief of Army Staff has directed all army units and formations to work together with other security agencies to protect the civilian population.
In his remarks, the governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Uba Sani, reiterated the state government’s commitment to partnering with all security agencies to enhance public safety.
The deployment of undercover agents to schools and host communities by the NSCDC is a commendable step towards fortifying the security of educational institutions in the country. The collaboration between the NSCDC, the Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders will be critical in effectively implementing this initiative and ensuring the safety of students and host communities.
