The federal government, yesterday sought stakeholders’ involvement and cooperation in addressing security challenges being faced by academic Institutions in the country.
This is just as the leadership of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government in taking the mandate of securing schools across the country.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, specifically canvassed a third line security to join the ongoing efforts of the military and other security agencies to end the cases of kidnapping in schools.
Mamman, who stated this in Abuja during the 26th Founders’ Day celebration of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, pointed out that the imperatives of a “Third Line Security for Public Safety” could not be more timely and relevant than now that security threats were on the increase.
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“We cannot claim to be unaware of the security challenges in our country within the last ten years which has led to loss of lives, closure of schools, kidnapping and abduction of students and teachers, maiming of citizens, killing of security personnel etc.
“This challenge, in spite of the huge amount of money budgeted to combat and reduce it, has remained unabated. It is, therefore, imperative that we explore innovative and collaborative approaches to ensure the safety and security of our nation.
“Therefore, the role of private security outfits such as the Peace Corps in complementing the efforts of public security agencies cannot be overemphasized.
“As we confront the complexities of contemporary security challenges, the concept of a “third line” security becomes crucial. This third line should not be seen as merely an auxiliary force but a strategic partner in our collective endeavor to safeguard public safety,” Mamman said.
He, however, said that the Federal Ministry of Education in the past few years had maintained relatively low challenges of security breaches in schools since the commencement of the Safe School Initiative which was initiated in 2016.
Earlier, the National Commandant of the Corps Dickson Akoh, said the commitment and dedication of the officers and men of the Corps is contributing to the country’s growth despite all odds
He urged the both chambers of the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill that would give the Corps legal backing to enable the president to assent to it for the overall interest of the nation’s youths.
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