NSCDC boss tasks operatives on effective protection of schools

The Commandant General, Nigeria Security, and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, on Monday, urged operatives of the Corps to effectively protect schools against any form of attack.

Audi stated this at the opening session of the capacity-building courses for safe school administrators and managers in Abuja.

The CG quoted the United Nations Development Programme as saying that 75% of children in Internally Displaced Person Camps are without access to learning.

To further worsen the situation, Audi noted that “Parents are scared to send their children to schools thereby contributing to the high rate of out – of school children in the country.”

The CG, however, urged personnel to live up to expectations in protecting schools, adding that attention is on the Corps on the protection of schools.

Audi noted “The National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre is one of the critical components of the implementation strategy saddled with the responsibility of coordinating Safety and security responses for schools and host communities in collaboration with all security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

“The whole world is now looking upon the Corps and Nigeria as a Nation on how effective coordination of responses to school attacks and violence could be achieved.

“I, therefore charge all course participants who have been carefully selected to be committed and dedicated to the success of this project.”

Highlighting some crucial decisions aimed at re-strategising and repositioning the entire Safe Schools Project for better service delivery, Audi said “The creation of Safe School Special Response Squad, which is the armed Unit of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre. This is in compliance with the implementation strategy of the National Safe School Program.

“By virtue of this creation, the Rapid Response squad and the Female squad has been collapsed into the SSSRS. The responsibility of SSRS shall be to undertake regular Patrols and responds to distress calls as may be directed by the Commander of the NSSRCC. Other responsibilities of the special squad shall be as contained in the SOP.”

He added “The fact that the mandate of protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure is the core mandate of the Corps notwithstanding the protection of Schools and host communities is the duty of all.

“To this effect, every Directorate is hereby directed to appoint a Safe School liaison officer for necessary interface with the centre.”