SCHOOLS, churches and transport operators across parts of Nigeria are strengthening their security measures following growing concerns over attacks by terrorists, bandits and kidnappers.
News Point Nigeria reports that some schools have introduced additional security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras, stronger perimeter fences, additional security personnel and the creation of emergency escape routes.
The measures come amid renewed concerns over attacks on schools and other vulnerable institutions across the country. The Federal Government has also continued efforts to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative through collaboration with security agencies.
The First Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Bashir Oyewo, said the union was working with the government and security agencies to improve the safety of teachers and pupils, particularly those in rural communities.
A school principal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, said an additional gate and escape route had been created within the school premises to provide pupils and staff with an alternative means of leaving the school in an emergency.
The principal added that pupils had also been sensitised on how to use the escape route and assist one another if an attack occurred.
Parents-Teachers Associations are also supporting schools by engaging additional security personnel, particularly in schools where government-provided security is considered inadequate. Oyewo also said efforts were underway to strengthen the Safe School Project in response to recent security concerns. Similar national measures now include security infrastructure, emergency preparedness and rapid-response arrangements for schools.
Private schools in Osun State have also adopted different measures, including installing CCTV cameras, increasing the height of perimeter fences and employing local security operatives.
Transport operators are equally taking precautions to protect drivers and passengers. Some transport unions have advised their members to avoid unnecessary night journeys and to remain vigilant when travelling.
The National Organising Secretary of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Abdulrahman Onikijipa, said transport operators had intensified security checks at motor parks and along major highways. He had also previously advised motorists to avoid dangerous night journeys and promptly share information about suspicious movements.
The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority has also increased road patrols, with officials monitoring activities along roads and reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.
Concerns over insecurity have also affected prospective National Youth Service Corps members. Some graduates awaiting mobilisation have expressed fears about travelling to states they consider unsafe for their mandatory national service.
The NYSC is reportedly reviewing its posting arrangements, with posting corps members to their states of origin among the options being considered. The scheme is also working with security agencies to improve protection for corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment.
Religious institutions have not been left out of the security preparations. Churches have reviewed their security arrangements and introduced measures aimed at identifying and monitoring new members.
A senior church official said security protocols were regularly reviewed, while some churches now require new members to identify themselves during services and conventions as part of their security procedures.
The measures highlight the growing efforts by schools, religious institutions, transport organisations and other groups to prevent attacks and protect lives and property amid the country’s security challenges.
Authorities and members of the public have continued to urge Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies, as national security agencies and school authorities intensify efforts to improve early warning, intelligence sharing and emergency response.