Koko Maxwella 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s internal security architecture has collapsed, and left students exposed to relentless attacks, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said on Wednesday as it demanded a total overhaul of the Safe School Initiative.
NANS National President, Olushola Oladoja, described the last decade as a “cycle of grief”, accusing security agencies of failing to protect schools despite years of funding and repeated government assurances. “Too many schools have fallen to terrorists under circumstances that point to poor coordination, intelligence lapses and leadership complacency,” he said.
Oladoja said the Safe School Initiative has failed to deliver meaningful protection, noting that students and parents are now living with “fear instead of confidence” in the education system.
Citing the recent attack in Kebbi State, he said bandits abducted schoolgirls minutes after reports of a military withdrawal, raising concerns about internal sabotage.
“NANS is alarmed. We cannot ignore the possibility of insider collaboration,” he said.
He called on the National Security Adviser, Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs to establish a high-level panel to probe alleged command failures, intelligence gaps and troop withdrawals before attacks. “The failure of these offices to coordinate intelligence and protect defenceless students is unacceptable,” he said. “Nigeria must stop rewarding incompetence.”
Oladoja warned that if authorities fail to respond swiftly, NANS will mobilise nationwide civil disobedience, including peaceful demonstrations and strategic shutdowns.
“The era of silence is over,” he said. “NANS stands united and ready to defend the Nigerian student identity.”
The resurgence of school attacks in the North has forced several states to shut down schools. On Monday, gunmen abducted 24 schoolgirls and killed a vice-principal at a Kebbi school. Days later, attackers raided schools in Niger State, abducting hundreds, though 50 students have escaped.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 