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.
Findings showed that no fewer than 34 students were kidnapped in five incidents between September 22 and October 15, 2023.
Some of the incidents include the abduction of over 24 students at the Federal University of Gusau in Zamfara State on September 22, 2023.
Also, four female students of the Federal University Dutsin-Ma in Katsina State were kidnapped on October 4.
Four students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, were also kidnapped on October 11, while on October 15, two students at the Federal University of Gusau State were abducted.
Our correspondent observed that female students have been targeted more by kidnappers.
Safe School is an initiative by the Federal Government to ensure schools are secured for learning to take place.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, 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.
“When we talk about safe schools, we believe so much in the intelligence aspect. By the time we conclude training, you will see our men around. Work is really going on underneath.
“The Safe School initiative has been very effective in primary and secondary schools. We have foiled 45 attacks on schools across the federation since the full take-off of the programme and we won’t rest on our laurels until our schools are safe for our children.”