On December 11, 2024, the Safe Schools unit in Plateau State, led by Hon. Alex Ladan, paid a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) at Rukuba Barracks.
During the visit, Hon. Ladan and his team were warmly received. In his opening remarks, Ladan expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army, under the leadership of Major General A.E. Abubakar, for their commendable efforts in restoring peace to the Plateau. He noted that the GOC assumed his role amidst escalating attacks in the region but made a deliberate decision to remain stationed in Mangu. This strategic move, Ladan emphasized, significantly contributed to curbing violence and restoring stability.
Ladan provided an overview of the objectives and activities of the Safe Schools unit, commending the Plateau State Government for prioritizing student safety at all educational levels. He stressed the importance of proactive security measures during peaceful times to prevent crises.
Highlighting collaboration efforts, Ladan detailed the Initiative's engagements with key security agencies, including the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other stakeholders. He also recounted a recent stakeholders' engagement organized in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council. This engagement brought together education representatives, security outfits, and community groups such as the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and the Hunters Association of Nigeria. The GOC acknowledged the Army's representation at the event.
Additionally, Ladan informed the GOC about an ongoing two-day stakeholders’ forum on school security and the training of the School Protection Squad (SPS), organized by the Nigerian Police Force. With the theme “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the program—having the Safe Schools Coordinating Unit as key participants—seeks to enhance school security and prevent a recurrence of past incidents of kidnapping of pupils and students.
Ladan appealed for the continued support and collaboration of the Nigerian Army, emphasizing that their rapid response to school-related security threats would greatly contribute to ensuring the safety of students nationwide.
In his response, Major General Abubakar appreciated Hon. Ladan’s recognition of the Army's efforts and reiterated their commitment to peace and security. As Commander of Operation Safe Haven, he assured that the operation would continue prioritizing the protection of lives and property.
The GOC highlighted the Army's recent assessment of schools, which identified critical areas for improvement, such as perimeter fencing, local security measures, and the installation of streetlights. He expressed optimism that the domestication of the Safe Schools unit in Plateau State would further strengthen education, which he described as the bedrock of societal development.
He pledged the Army’s collaboration with the unit and encouraged its leadership to identify specific areas where military involvement would be most impactful. He also assured the team of the Army's readiness to respond promptly to early warnings and emergencies concerning school security.
Conclusion:
The visit underscores the shared commitment between the Safe Schools Unit and the Nigerian Army to ensure the safety and security of students across Plateau State. With collaborative efforts, proactive measures, and community integration, the vision of secure and resilient schools is within reach.
As the Safe Schools Unit continues to work alongside security agencies, educational stakeholders, and community groups, it is a call to all concerned citizens to support this critical mission. Together, we can build a future where every child has access to safe education, free from the shadows of fear and insecurity.
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SAFE SCHOOL COORDINATING UNIT, PLATEAU STATE
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