🇳🇬 Safe Schools Initiative, Armed Forces Deepen Collaboration On School Safety

 

The Safe Schools Initiative is seeking stronger collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria to strengthen the security of learning environments across the country, with the protection of schools and children identified as a shared national security responsibility.

Desk: Defence & Security
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 16:28 WAT
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

A statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, said the National Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative, Hajiya Halima Iliya, made the call on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Hajiya Iliya said the Initiative was established in 2014 following major attacks on schools across the country, particularly the abduction of 276 schoolchildren in Chibok, which drew national and international attention to the vulnerability of schools.

She explained that the Initiative is domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Finance, which coordinates several actors, including security agencies, relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, development partners and civil society organisations, towards ensuring the safety and security of schools.

According to her, the visit was intended to formally engage the CDS on the Initiative's activities, interventions and future plans, while exploring areas of deeper collaboration with the Armed Forces.

The National Coordinator also commiserated with General Oluyede and the Armed Forces over the recent air mishap that resulted in the loss of Nigerian Air Force personnel in the line of duty and other Nigerians, describing the incident as painful and expressing appreciation for the sacrifices of military personnel.

Responding, General Oluyede appreciated the visit and commended the leadership of the Safe Schools Initiative for its sustained commitment to protecting education.

The CDS assured the National Coordinator of the full cooperation and support of the Armed Forces for the Initiative, stressing that the protection of schools and children remains a critical national security priority and a shared responsibility.

He reaffirmed that Defence Headquarters would continue to work with the drivers of the Initiative and other stakeholders to ensure that schools remain safe, secure and conducive for learning.

🏷️ Tags: Safe Schools Initiative, Armed Forces of Nigeria, School Safety, Olufemi Oluyede, Halima Iliya, Defence Headquarters

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