As insecurity continues to pose a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, with repeated incidents of mass kidnappings, attacks on schools and killings by armed groups, the Body of Founders (BOF) of the NEO-Black Movement of Africa Worldwide, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently strengthen security around schools across the country by deploying military personnel and other security operatives to protect students and teachers from persistent attacks by terrorists and kidnappers.

The group made the call amid growing concerns over the escalating wave of abductions, killings and attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria, describing the trend as a grave threat to the nation’s future and educational development.

Speaking during a world press conference held in Asaba, Delta State, on Thursday, the BOF Coordinator, Akpo Bodunrin Diekomaoh, said Nigerian children deserve to learn in a safe and secure environment free from fear, violence and intimidation.

Addressing journalists on the theme, “Bring Back Our Children and Teachers,” Diekomaoh lamented the continued targeting of school children and educators by criminal elements, warning that the persistent insecurity facing schools could have devastating consequences for national growth and social stability.

According to him, 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 from fear and violence. The continued abduction of children and teachers is unacceptable and threatens the future of our country,” he said.

The BOF coordinator 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.

Diekomaoh 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.

He advocated the deployment of military personnel and trained security operatives to schools, particularly those located in isolated and high-risk areas, noting that such measures had yielded positive results in some parts of the country.

“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.

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

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 practices could further compromise public safety.

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

The group urged the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, community leaders and civil society organisations to collaborate in developing sustainable strategies aimed at safeguarding schools and restoring public confidence in the nation’s education system.