The Challenges of Safe School in Nigeria: The Role of Security Agencies

Abstract

Safe school in Nigeria in the last decade has come under security threats. This is as a result of terrorist activities targeted at schools resulting in the destruction of school infrastructure, abduction of teachers and students, closure of schools and increase in internal displacement of persons in affected areas prone to security threats. This study looked at the challenges of safe school in Nigeria and the measures that can be taken by security agencies to promote safety of schools from frequent attacks by terrorist and other non-state actors. The paper adopted qualitative research design approach with the use of secondary sources of data. The data gathered were analyzed through content analysis. By adopting Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as theoretical framework for analysis, the paper explained why safety and security needs of teachers and students are under threat. The study noted that the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies were hampered by large “ungoverned space” which Boko Haram insurgents group and other criminal groups take advantage off in perpetrating various crimes and criminality. The study among other things recommended that for schools to be safe from attacks, counter-terrorism rather than anti-terrorism approach must be adopted in combating Boko Haram Insurgency and other similar activities by armed criminal groups. This can be achieved by the effective use of strategic intelligence and reconnaissance activities through effective policy measures and preventive measures. Also stepping up intelligence-led policing certainly will aid the effective use of early warning signals and also ensure that early response mechanisms are properly instituted and situated in the overall diagnosis of issues generating security concerns in the country by the relevant authorities.