CDS tasks security agencies and stakeholders to secure schools in N’East
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged security agencies, parents, civil society organisations (CSOs), and traditional and religious leaders to synergise in protecting schools in the Northeast.
Addressing participants at a one-day workshop on Thursday, at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, Musa disclosed that the protection of children from terrorists’ attacks and kidnappings should not be left alone for the military.
His words: “The protection of people’s lives and property is a collective responsibility of all.
“All our hands must be decked to ensure security in the nooks and crannies of the affected states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.”
It could be recalled that many secondary schools in Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara, including the Chibok girls, were attacked and kidnapped by terrorists and bandits.
Declaring the workshop open with the theme “Providing a Secured and Safe Learning Environment for the Advancement of National Development” was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The General stated that the stakeholders’ workshop was to protect both public and private schools from terrorists and bandits’ attacks and kidnappings.
Additionally, the workshop established last March has operationalised the Armed Forces of Nigeria in protecting many schools in the country.
He noted that this will enable pupils and students to learn in a safe and secured environment.
Besides the mobilisation of troops, he added: “I am happy that the program, which has moved to the second stage of mobilising military units and formations across the country, is geared towards secured schools.”
The CDS, therefore, enjoined participants to feel free and committed to ensuring fruitful deliberations to overcome the challenges of insecurity in schools.
Stakeholders, including the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and traditional and religious leaders, commended the military for organising the workshop on security.
They said it will address insecurity in schools and improve educational development in the region.
