GTI urges stronger school security, community intelligence sharing to protect students, teachers

Abdullateef Fowewe

Guard Time Information (GTI), a nationwide human rights activists group, has called for strengthened school security, improved community intelligence sharing and faster communication with security agencies following a surge in attacks on primary and secondary schools across Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday, GTI Chairman Comrade Bibi Oduku said communities and educational institutions must “strengthen security awareness, intelligence sharing and rapid communication with relevant security agencies” to safeguard students, teachers and other members of the school community from kidnappers, armed criminals and other potential invaders.

“Security is a collective responsibility. Every citizen has a role to play by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information responsibly and supporting the government and security agencies in protecting our communities, schools, students and teachers,” Oduku said, while urging citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands and to promptly report suspected threats to the appropriate authorities.

He disclosed that GTI is partnering with the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to promote security awareness and vigilance among teachers and school stakeholders, with plans to support nationwide training on early threat identification, responsible information sharing, emergency communication and proper engagement with security institutions.

The initiative, according to Oduku, is aimed at building a “nationwide school security networking system” through which schools and communities can deepen cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces and other agencies, while also working—where appropriate and within the law—with recognized community security structures such as the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilante groups and Nigeria Forest Guards.

GTI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, community safety and peaceful educational environments, and called on parents, teachers, school administrators, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations and relevant government agencies to strengthen collaboration to ensure Nigerian schools remain safe for learning, teaching and national development.