GTI Human Rights Advocate School Safety And Security In Nigeria.

Call For Strengthened School Security, Community Intelligence Sharing And Protection Of Students And Teachers

In view of the recent attacks and security threats targeting primary and secondary schools in different parts of Nigeria, Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has called for stronger collaboration among schools, parents, communities, security stakeholders and relevant government security agencies to protect the lives and safety of students, teachers and other members of the school community.

The Chairman of Guard Time Information, Comrade Bibi Oduku, made the call in Abuja on Monday, stressing the urgent need for communities and educational institutions to strengthen security awareness, intelligence sharing and rapid communication with relevant security agencies.

Comrade Bibi Oduku urged community security stakeholders and relevant security agencies to remain tactically alert, adequately prepared and responsive to emerging threats, particularly those involving kidnappers, armed criminals and other potential school invaders whose activities could endanger students and teachers and disrupt Nigeria’s educational system.

He stated that Guard Time Information is partnering with the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to promote security awareness and vigilance among teachers and other stakeholders within schools across the country.

According to him, the partnership is aimed at encouraging teachers and school communities to remain observant and establish effective channels for promptly communicating credible security concerns to the appropriate security authorities whenever their attention and intervention are required.

Comrade Bibi Oduku further disclosed that GTI and NAPTAN intend to support nationwide training and awareness programmes for teachers and school stakeholders, focusing on security awareness, early identification of potential threats, responsible information sharing, emergency communication and appropriate engagement with relevant security agencies.

He explained that the initiative is expected to contribute to the development of a nationwide school security networking system, through which schools and communities can strengthen communication and cooperation with law-enforcement and security institutions for the protection of educational facilities, students and teachers.

He also emphasized the importance of working with community-based security stakeholders and recognized security-support structures, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Vigilante groups, Nigeria Forest Guards and other legally recognized community security initiatives, where appropriate and within the law, to complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces and other relevant security agencies.

The GTI Chairman stressed that community participation and responsible information sharing can play an important role in preventing security threats. He, however, urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to ensure that suspected threats and security information are promptly reported to the appropriate authorities.

“Security is a collective responsibility. Every citizen has a role to play by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information responsibly and supporting the government and security agencies in protecting our communities, schools, students and teachers.”

Guard Time Information reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, community safety, security awareness, responsible intelligence sharing and peaceful educational environments across Nigeria.

GTI therefore calls on parents, teachers, school administrators, traditional and community leaders, civil society organizations, security stakeholders and relevant government agencies to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure that Nigerian schools remain safe environments for learning, teaching and national development.

Issued by:

Comrade Bibi Oduku

Chairman

Guard Time Information (GTI)

Human Rights Activists Nationwide

Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.