The National Coordinator of the Financing Safe Schools Initiative, Halima Iliya, has unveiled plans to bolster security measures in schools across Nigeria by actively involving hunters and vigilantes in intelligence gathering. In an interview in Abuja on Sunday, Iliya outlined the initiative's objectives, highlighting the importance of community engagement and sensitization among students, parents, and teachers.
Under the proposed plan, hunters, vigilantes, and volunteers will undergo training to enhance their capabilities in intelligence gathering, prevention, detection, and deterrence of security threats. Iliya emphasized the crucial role of youths in safeguarding their communities and revealed intentions to leverage the National Orientation Agency's platform for grassroots outreach.
Additionally, Ahmed Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to school protection. He underscored the significance of coordination and collaboration among agencies and highlighted NSCDC's initiatives, including engaging private guard companies and establishing school community security vanguard.
Meanwhile, Hameed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), emphasized ongoing sensitization efforts in schools while ensuring measures to prevent unnecessary panic.
Plans are also underway to conduct a nationwide school security awareness training program, equipping students with essential security tips through a pocket-size guidebook known as SAFE.
