The Federal Government has restated its confidence in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as the lead agency responsible for securing schools and protecting students across the country.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, during a working visit to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Dr. Alausa said the Ministry of Education has established a dedicated Department of Safe Schools to strengthen coordination of school protection efforts nationwide, noting that the NSCDC remains central to the initiative’s security architecture.
He explained that previous incidents of school abductions prompted the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu–led administration to review and reinforce national security strategies to ensure that students can learn in a safe and conducive environment.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government will continue to deepen collaboration with the Corps in safeguarding schools, describing educational institutions as critical national assets that must be protected.
In his remarks, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the Corps has taken proactive steps to enhance school security across the country.
He disclosed that a nationwide vulnerability assessment of schools was conducted, leading to the establishment of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre at the NSCDC Headquarters in 2022.
Prof. Audi also highlighted operational structures put in place to support the initiative, including the Female Strike Force and the Community Initiative Vanguard, which he said have been instrumental in preventing and responding to security threats targeting schools.
He assured the Minister of the Corps’ commitment and readiness to continue working closely with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school communities nationwide.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre by Dr. Alausa, accompanied by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Zaid Ahmed, and other members of the delegation.
The statement was issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Babawale Afolabi.
