NUT leader calls for stronger security patrols and joint task forces as schools face rising threats in vulnerable areas

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Salami, has urged government authorities to urgently strengthen security around schools across vulnerable parts of the country, warning that educational institutions must not be allowed to become targets for criminal activity.

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Salami issued the warning during an engagement with education stakeholders in Abuja, where he stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and development, free from fear and disruption.

Comrade Audu Salami said attacks on schools endanger innocent pupils and teachers who have no role in wider grievances against government, urging aggrieved groups to pursue lawful channels of redress rather than resorting to violence.

“If anybody has a grievance against government, such persons should address it with government and not resort to attacking schools and innocent people who are not responsible for any offence,” he said.

Salami disclosed that the Nigeria Union of Teachers and other stakeholders recently held marathon meetings with government officials to address escalating security concerns affecting educational institutions across the country.

According to him, the meetings produced a communiqué and a detailed action plan which has since been submitted to government for implementation.

He noted that while stakeholders are awaiting execution of the agreed measures, immediate steps are necessary to restore confidence among teachers, parents, and students.

“We are waiting for the implementation of those action plans, especially those requiring immediate action,” Salami said.

“Schools and classrooms cannot remain shut forever, but we need to see signs that will restore confidence in society for us to return to work.”

Salami described the situation as urgent and called for increased security patrols in vulnerable communities, particularly areas affected by criminal activity and difficult terrain.

He proposed the establishment of joint security task forces made up of conventional security agencies alongside local security outfits, including vigilante groups and hunters, to improve surveillance and rapid response.

According to him, local government areas bordering forests and other high-risk zones should have dedicated security formations carrying out regular patrols and intelligence gathering to deter attacks.

“If we begin to see security patrols across every nook and cranny of the state, especially vulnerable areas, it will send a signal that government is addressing the situation,” he said.

“There should be no room for criminality. Once confidence and peace of mind are restored, people will be able to go about their normal activities, including teaching and learning.”

Salami, however, emphasised that the primary responsibility for ensuring security rests with government, which has the authority, personnel, and logistics to deploy operatives effectively.

He urged authorities to treat the matter as a matter of urgency, warning that continued insecurity around schools could undermine education delivery and public trust in affected regions.

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The Nigeria Union of Teachers has continued to play a central role in discussions around school safety, particularly in regions affected by insecurity, where disruptions to learning have become increasingly frequent.

(NAN)