The Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps have said there are plans to extend the Safe School initiative to higher institutions of learning across the country.
This follows the spate of school abductions in tertiary institutions in recent times.
According to The PUNCH, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the police were working with relevant stakeholders to review and strengthen the operational base of the initiative to accommodate all institutions of learning.
Adejobi said, “Yes. Tertiary institutions are being considered under the Safe School initiative. We are working with our partners, stakeholders, ministries, departments and agencies to review and upscale both the operational and technological base of the initiative to cater to all.
“We are mindful of the high number of schools in Nigeria that makes the initiative a very complex project that must be taken with all seriousness. So, it’s an initiative that has come to stay, and we are optimistic about its successes”.
On the fate of students still in captivity, he said, “In addition, we are working relentlessly on the rescue of the captives. Necessary steps are being taken to rescue them unhurt. We are sensitive to their release and safety.”
Similarly, the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the initiative foiled 45 attacks on schools across the country.
Babawale added, “We are working assiduously to spread across tertiary institutions. Training has been going on.”
