The Federal Government has announced plans to boost security in schools located in border and riverine communities as part of the Safe Schools Transition Plan for 2026–2030, aimed at ensuring safer learning environments across the country.
Sources disclosed on Tuesday that the newly approved strategy focuses on strengthening collaboration among security agencies, state governments, and host communities, while also expanding psychosocial support services and emergency preparedness for both students and teachers.
A senior official familiar with the initiative explained that the transition plan will place special emphasis on vulnerable locations, particularly border and riverine areas, to ensure that security infrastructure and training are adequately extended to these communities.
According to the official, the goal of the new phase of the programme is to ensure that security training reaches high-risk areas and that the nation’s security framework is fully integrated into school protection efforts.
Another official confirmed the plan, noting that the government intends to build the overall security resilience of host communities where schools are located.
The Safe Schools Project was originally launched in 2014 following the abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State. The initiative was introduced under the leadership of the UN Special Envoy for Global Education, Gordon Brown, in partnership with the Nigerian Global Business Coalition for Education and private sector stakeholders. It is coordinated in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and is designed to create a secure environment for teaching, learning, and community life.
In December 2022, the Federal Government introduced the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023–2026, proposing an investment of ₦144.8 billion. Measures under the plan included the establishment of a School Protection Squad, nationwide deployment of command and control officers, and the creation of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre to enable rapid responses to security threats. Safe Schools Coordinators and Desk Officers were also appointed across the 36 states and 774 local government areas.
Despite these interventions, insecurity in schools remains a major concern. In December 2025, the Senate initiated an investigation into the Safe Schools Project following reports of persistent vulnerabilities, including school raids, mass abductions, and fatal attacks.
Data from the National Safe Schools Response and Coordination Centre indicates a significant increase in school registrations under the programme, rising from 11,550 in November 2025 to 14,685 by December. This followed several high-profile attacks, including the November 17, 2025 assault on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 24 students were abducted and the vice-principal was killed, as well as the attack on St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, Niger State, four days later, which led to the abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers.
Officials acknowledged that many states are yet to fully implement the Safe Schools Project, underscoring the need for sustained commitment at all levels of government to safeguard students and educators nationwide.
