Nigeria: IG Seeks Stronger Intelligence Gathering to Prevent Attacks On Schools

What the report says

Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has called for stronger intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and closer cooperation between schools and security agencies to reduce attacks on educational institutions. According to This Day, he made the remarks in Lagos at the 7th annual summit of the Education Writers’ Association of Nigeria (EWAN), where the theme focused on moving from reactive responses to more sustainable school protection.

Disu, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said school security should be treated as a national security priority rather than left to school managers or police alone. He urged better information-sharing among government officials, school leaders, parents and community members, along with improved emergency preparedness and police-community trust. He also said the police would continue intelligence-led operations and encourage prompt reporting of credible threats.

The article says the summit also featured calls for a coordinated national framework for school safety. Former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, represented at the event, argued that Nigeria needs preventive systems, stronger coordination and more investment in infrastructure, surveillance, transport and secure boarding facilities, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas. EWAN Chairman Mojeed Alabi urged journalists to do more investigative and accountability reporting on school safety and to monitor whether public funds and policies are actually reducing risks.

The broader context is Nigeria’s recurring experience of school attacks and abductions, which have disrupted learning and raised anxiety among families. The speakers said protecting schools is essential not only for students and teachers, but also for public confidence and national development.