Guard Time Information (GTI), Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has called for stronger school security, community intelligence sharing and closer collaboration among parents, schools, communities and security agencies to protect students and teachers across Nigeria.
The Chairman of GTI, Comrade Bibi Oduku, made the call in Abuja on Monday amid recent attacks and security threats targeting primary and secondary schools in different parts of the country.
Oduku urged communities, schools and security stakeholders to improve security awareness, intelligence sharing and rapid communication with relevant security agencies.
He also called on security agencies to remain tactically alert and prepared to respond to emerging threats, particularly from kidnappers, armed criminals and other potential school invaders.
According to him, such threats could endanger students and teachers while disrupting Nigeria’s education system.
GTI Partners NAPTAN on School Safety
Oduku disclosed that GTI is partnering with the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to promote security awareness and vigilance among teachers and other school stakeholders nationwide.
He said the partnership would encourage teachers and school communities to identify potential threats early and promptly report credible security concerns to the appropriate authorities.
GTI and NAPTAN plan to support nationwide training and awareness programmes focused on security awareness, early threat identification, responsible information sharing, emergency communication and appropriate engagement with security agencies.
Oduku said the initiative would help develop a nationwide school security networking system to improve communication between schools, communities, law enforcement and other security institutions.
He also stressed the need to work with community-based security structures, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilante groups, Nigeria Forest Guards and other legally recognised initiatives where appropriate and within the law.
According to him, such structures can complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces and other relevant security agencies.
GTI Warns Against Vigilante Action
The GTI chairman said community participation and responsible information sharing could help prevent security threats.
However, he warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to report suspected threats and credible security information to the appropriate authorities.
“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,” he said.
GTI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, community safety, security awareness, responsible intelligence sharing and peaceful learning environments across Nigeria.
The organisation also urged parents, teachers, school administrators, traditional and community leaders, civil society organisations, security stakeholders and relevant government agencies to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing mechanisms to keep Nigerian schools safe for learning, teaching and national development.
