23/01/2026
Nasarawa State Government Strengthens School Security Through High-Level Stakeholders’ Meeting with AGILE Project
The Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project, has convened a one-day high-level stakeholders’ meeting to strengthen security measures in schools and AGILE project locations across the state.
The meeting brought together critical stakeholders from the education and security sectors, including representatives of the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), School-Based Management Committees (SBMCs), Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs), Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), the Commissioner for Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters, and the AGILE Project Security Consultant.
Declaring the meeting open, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. John D.W. Mamman, described the engagement as timely and critical given the prevailing security challenges in the country, particularly incidents of attacks and abductions involving schoolchildren. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Muhammed Sani Bala, Dr. Mamman emphasized that security is a shared responsibility and urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive. He noted that the presence of seasoned security experts at the meeting would help develop actionable strategies to enhance school safety across the state.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Special Duties, Security and Sundry Matters, CP Baba Usman, underscored the need for proactive and visible policing within and around school environments. He disclosed that the state has adopted a policing strategy known as the “Abidden System”, which involves regular patrols by police personnel from one school to another. The initiative, he explained, is designed to deter hoodlums, prevent attacks, and ensure swift response to threats, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The AGILE Project Lead Security Consultant, Major General A.T. Umar (Rtd), informed participants that a comprehensive Security Management Plan (SMP)had been developed by Watchdogs Consultancy Firm. The plan, he said, provides detailed advisory guidance on school safety, focusing on the protection of students, teachers, non-teaching staff, host communities, and educational assets.
Presentations were also delivered by the NSCDCand the Nigerian Police on safe school protection measures and policing strategies. The NSCDC Safe School Commander advocated for perimeter fencing, deployment and training of private security guards, and installation of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers in schools. The Police Safe School Officer emphasized the importance of synergy among stakeholders and proposed the establishment of dedicated communication platforms for timely information sharing. He also called for improved road networks to enhance access to schools, especially in rural communities, during emergencies.
Stakeholders including PTAs, ANCOPSS, NCWS, SBMCs, and religious bodies (JNI and CAN) contributed to the discussions, stressing the need for sustained collaboration and collective commitment to school safety. They also called for continued prayers for peace and security in the state and the nation.
In her closing remarks, the AGILE Project Coordinator, Hajiya Aishatu Aliyu Isoga, expressed appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions. She reaffirmed AGILE’s commitment to supporting the state in strengthening school security.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of actionable steps aimed at enhancing the security architecture and curbing insecurity in schools across Nasarawa State.