The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ogun State Command, through the Safe School Initiative Unit, hereby issues the following advisory and preventive security measures to all schools within Ogun State in view of emerging security concerns relating to school safety, abduction threats, and other criminal activities targeting educational institutions.
Recent security developments across parts of the country have shown that schools remain vulnerable targets where preventive mechanisms are weak or absent. Consequently, school administrators are advised to immediately implement the following proactive security measures to safeguard students, staff, and school facilities.
1. WHY SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS OCCUR
School abductions are often deliberate and targeted rather than random incidents. Criminal elements usually exploit:
* Weak security structures
* Predictable school routines
* Poor access control systems
* Delayed emergency response mechanisms
* Lack of community-security collaboration
It is important to note that prevention remains safer, more effective, and less costly than emergency rescue operations after an incident has occurred.
2. IMMEDIATE PHYSICAL SECURITY MEASURES (TO BE IMPLEMENTED WITHIN 24–72 HOURS)
A. ACCESS CONTROL
i. Restrict access points to one or two monitored gates only during school hours. All other entrances should remain locked.
ii. All visitors must:
* Present valid identification
* Sign the visitors’ register
* State the purpose of visit
* Wait at designated reception or gate areas
iii. Visitors should not have unrestricted access to classrooms or students.
iv. No student should leave the school premises during school hours without:
* Written permission, and
* Verification through direct parental/guardian confirmation.
B. PERIMETER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SECURITY
i. Clear bushes, tall grasses, and concealed areas within and around the school perimeter, especially within at least five (5) meters of fence lines.
ii. Inspect and repair damaged fences, walls, and weak access points immediately.
iii. Install or maintain adequate lighting around:
* Gates
* Hostels
* Classrooms
* Administrative blocks
