By Linus Aleke, Abuja
Calls for a Specialized Security Force for Schools in Nigeria
Former Inspector-General of Police Mike Okiro has reiterated the urgent need for a dedicated security force focused on protecting schoolchildren across Nigeria. He argues that such an initiative could significantly mitigate the risk of mass kidnappings in educational institutions.
Previous Proposals and Missed Opportunities
In a recent interview with Arise TV, Okiro reflected on his 2012 proposal for establishing a specialized security unit in all federal public schools. He expressed his disappointment that the authorities failed to act on this initiative, which, he believes, could have curbed the rampant kidnapping crisis that has emerged in schools.
“In 2012, I proposed a special unit for federal public schools. Unfortunately, the government did not implement this plan. Had it been executed, kidnappings would not have been as rampant,” Okiro stated.
The Impact of Delayed Action
Okiro’s proposal was formally submitted to the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, but it did not receive the attention required for implementation. He highlighted a key moment in 2014 when a schoolgirl was abducted in Chibok, illustrating the dire consequences of the government’s inaction.
“If my proposal had been realized, the Chibok abductions might have been prevented,” he lamented.
Revisiting Security Initiatives
In 2018, Okiro revealed that former President Muhammadu Buhari had encouraged him to revisit his recommendation due to growing safety concerns surrounding schools. The new initiative aims to enhance security measures around vulnerable educational institutions through coordinated security deployments.
Proposed Security Enhancements
One major aspect of Okiro’s proposal involves constructing reinforced perimeter fencing around schools to boost physical security and restrict unauthorized access. Despite the Buhari administration’s initial commitment, Okiro expressed frustration over ongoing implementation challenges.
He emphasized that discussions had taken place with the former Minister of Education about establishing a training program for teachers to arm them with the skills needed to respond to potential security threats within the school environment.
Scale of the Challenge and the Need for Coordination
Okiro noted that there are approximately 103 federal government schools throughout Nigeria, highlighting the extensive security challenge and the necessity for a nationally coordinated response.
Shifts in Policing Strategy
On the topic of national policing, Okiro commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating police reforms, indicating that his stance on the matter has evolved. “Initially, I opposed it, but I later recognized its significance,” he commented.
He explained that security challenges vary between states, making a decentralized police strategy a more pragmatic approach to combating crime. The nature of criminal activity can differ greatly from one state to another, necessitating tailored responses based on specific circumstances.
Empowering Local Governance
Okiro believes that governors are uniquely positioned to understand their states’ security dynamics, enabling them to devise appropriate measures to tackle crime. “Governors are aware of the crimes occurring within their jurisdictions and are in a prime position to implement solutions,” he concluded.
