A new SBM Intelligence report warns that youth gang violence is increasingly infiltrating Nigerian schools, weaponising students and escalating national security concerns, according to recent findings from Daily Trust and ENACT Africa.
Key Points
- Youth gangs are now active within school environments, not just on the streets.
- Over 1,600 deaths linked to gang violence in Nigeria since 2020.
- School abductions and attacks have surged, with over 1,680 students kidnapped since 2014.
- Gangs exploit weak school security and use students for criminal activities.
- The spread of violence disrupts education, forcing school closures in high-risk areas.
- Authorities cite poverty, unemployment, and weak law enforcement as root causes.
- National Safe Schools initiatives exist but face challenges in implementation.
The Questions
- How can schools and communities strengthen protection against gang infiltration?
- What policies could address the root causes driving youth into gangs?
- How might improved law enforcement and social support reduce violence in schools?
The Message
Protect Our Schools: The spread of gang violence into schools highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards, community action, and policy reform to secure Nigeria’s future.Sources:
Daily Trust, ENACT Africa, SBM Intelligence
