The Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, has called for collective measures among security agencies, community members and school managers to secure schools against security challenges.
Musa made the call at a safe school workshop with theme, ”Providing a Secure and Safe Learning Environment for Advancement of National Development,” organised by 8 Division of Nigerian Army, Sokoto.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to do all within their strength to ensure the protection of children in collaboration with other security agencies.
In his address, Chief of Defence Training and Operations Nigerian Army Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said the workshop was in line with federal government’s policy on safe, secure and violent-free schools initiative.
Onumajuru noted that the workshop became imperative in view of the incessant attacks on schools across Nigeria since 2014.
He said, “The event was prepared as a step-down training where participants would educate others in their formations, educational cycles and departments in order to expand the scope of knowledge and experiences learnt.”
In his welcome address, Brig-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division Nigerian Army, called for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to secure schools across the state.
Ajose, who was represented by Garrison Commander, Brig-Gen. Alexandra Tawasimi, appealed to the participants to make the best use of the workshop to ensure that the objective of the safe schools initiative was achieved.
The lead presenter, Brig. Gen. Monday Lafal dwelled on society’s approach to a secure learning environment in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for adequate fencing and security tips awareness among teachers and students in schools across Sokoto State.
Lafal said immediate community members alerting security personnels and combined surveillance initiatives would facilitate prompt responses to tackle any unforeseen circumstances.
Another presenter on operationalising the safe school programme, the role of stakeholders, Charles Alfred, highlighted the need for a multifaceted approach to tackling security challenges in the school system.
Alfred shared experiences on the Northeast operations, modalities of Boko Haram abduction of students strategies, chain and manner of organised crimes that comprised banditry, kidnappings and other criminalities in the country.
Brig.Gen Tawasimi discussed on the role of military in safe school programme in the 8 Division Garrison, where he called for community support approaches, collaboration with sister agencies and interventions in view of terrains and cultural challenges.
Motorcycles and communication gadgets were presented to agencies and school communities as well as grassroots groups.