As a way of strengthening security around vulnerable persons and institutions, particularly those located in isolated and high-risk areas, the Neo-Black Movement of Africa Worldwide has called on the federal government to urgently deploy military personnel and other security operatives in schools in Nigeria to protect students and teachers from the persistent attacks by terrorists and kidnappers.

The group’s Body of Founders (BOF) made the call at a world press conference in Asaba, Delta State, amid the growing concerns over the escalating wave of abductions, killings and attacks on educational institutions across the country, describing the trend as a grave threat to the nation’s future and educational development.

The BOF Coordinator, Akpo Diekomaoh, noted that Nigerian children deserve to learn in a safe and secure environment free from fear, violence and intimidation. Speaking on the theme, “Bring Back Our Children and Teachers,” Diekomaoh lamented the continued targeting of school children and educators by criminal elements.

He warned that the persistent security threat to schools could have devastating consequences for national growth and social stability, adding that attacks on schools not only disrupt education but also undermine the country’s long-term development prospects.

“Children represent the future of every nation and deserve to live, learn and thrive in a conducive environment free of fear and violence,” he insisted. “The continued abduction of children and teachers is unacceptable and threatens the future of our country.”

Diekomaoh stressed that every Nigerian child must have access to education in a protected environment, urging government authorities to move beyond blame games and focus on practical solutions that would secure the release of all abducted pupils and teachers currently in captivity.

“We should not be engaged in accusations. Rather, we should focus on reconciliation of our actions and restructuring the security apparatus to secure the release of these children and teachers,” he stated.

He further called for increased investment in the protection of vulnerable persons, especially school children in remote communities who are often exposed to attacks due to inadequate security presence.

“Our schools, especially those in remote areas, are isolated. In the South-West, where I reside, there was a period when secondary schools were equipped and supported with paramilitary services. We had Man-of-War, military personnel who stayed within school environments, instilled discipline, and remained on standby to defend the schools,” he recalled.

“This is a laudable initiative, though it has not been adequately replicated across the country. There is a need for improvement and expansion of such security arrangements nationwide.”

The BOF coordinator further advocated the reorganisation of Nigeria’s security architecture, including the strengthening of community and local policing structures, to enhance intelligence gathering and rapid response to security threats. While acknowledging efforts already being made in that direction, he argued that corruption and indiscipline had hindered the effectiveness of some local security initiatives.

Diekomaoh also expressed concern over what he described as the infiltration of criminal elements into the nation’s security framework through recruitment processes, warning that such development could further compromise public safety.

He criticised the inclusion of individuals with violent backgrounds and serious criminal records in security structures on the grounds of repentance, insisting that those entrusted with the protection of lives and property must possess unquestionable integrity.