FG Unveils Security Plan for Schools in Border, Riverine Communities

The Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen security for schools in border and riverine communities as part of a new Safe Schools Transition Plan for 2026–2030, aimed at creating safer learning environments nationwide.

The recently approved strategy seeks to deepen collaboration between security agencies, state governments, and local communities, while expanding psychosocial support and emergency preparedness for students and teachers.

A senior project official stated that the plan will prioritize vulnerable locations. “For the new transition plan 2026–2030, we will be looking at the border communities and the riverine areas to ensure that training gets there. This is to ensure the security architecture is fully on board,” the official said.

The Safe Schools Project was launched in 2014 following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, and is coordinated with the Office of the National Security Adviser. In December 2022, the government launched the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023–2026, with a proposed investment of N144.8 billion. Measures included creating School Protection Squads and establishing a National Safe School Response Coordination Centre.

Despite these efforts, attacks on schools remain a serious concern. In December 2025, the Senate launched an investigation into the program, citing continued vulnerability to raids and kidnappings.

Data from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre shows a sharp increase in school registrations following recent attacks, rising from 11,550 in November 2025 to 14,685 by December. This surge came after incidents such as the November 17, 2025, attack on a school in Kebbi State, where 24 students were abducted, and a subsequent assault on a school in Niger State four days later, which resulted in the abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers.

Officials noted that most states have yet to fully implement the federal Safe Schools Project, underscoring the need for sustained commitment to protect students and educators across the country.