The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has sensitised 65,432 students across 182 schools on kidnapping prevention and school safety between July and September 2026.
The campaign, led by the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, covered all 33 local government areas of Oyo State, including Ibadan, Saki, Igboho, Iseyin, Okeho and Iwere-Ile.
In a press release dated Monday, October 12, 2026 and signed by the state Public Relations Officer SC Samuel Opebiyi, the command disclosed that the initiative followed the abduction of pupils and staff members from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
The programme, coordinated by the command’s Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, focused on equipping students with practical safety knowledge, improving their awareness of potential threats and encouraging them to report suspicious activities within and around school premises.
Ibadan, Iseyin Schools Record High Participation
Several schools recorded substantial participation during the sensitisation exercise.
Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, had 2,500 students reached, while Baptist Secondary School, Koso, Iseyin, recorded 2,200 students.
Community Grammar School, Sasa, recorded 2,210 students at its junior section and 2,020 at its senior section. Badeku Community Grammar School, Inukan, also participated, with 950 students reached.
The NSCDC extended the campaign to other communities, including areas where surrounding bushes and inadequate security could expose schools to potential threats.
Schools covered included Koso Community Grammar School, with 958 students; Muslim Primary School, Modeke, Igboho, with 1,400 pupils; Quiet College, Osengere, with 215 students; Community High School, Osengere, with 205 students; and Ansarudeen Primary School, Ogbooro, with 425 pupils.
Kidnapping Prevention, Drug Abuse Featured in Campaign
The sensitisation programme addressed several security concerns affecting children and school communities.
Students received guidance on kidnapping prevention, personal safety, identifying suspicious individuals, and reporting unusual objects or movements to the appropriate authorities.
Other topics included drug abuse, cultism, peer pressure, bullying, gambling, loitering around school premises, gender-based violence, child rights and the protection of the girl-child.
The officers also discussed emergency response procedures, evacuation drills, basic first aid and measures to prevent students from leaving school premises without authorisation.
As part of the initiative, the command encouraged schools to establish Safe School Vanguard Clubs to promote security awareness and involve students in maintaining safer learning environments.
The exercise also included efforts to clear bushes around schools and strengthen community participation in security matters.
According to the NSCDC, the programme involved collaboration with Parent-Teacher Associations, school administrators, traditional rulers, non-governmental organisations and other security agencies.
Padonu Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Students
Padonu said the command remained committed to improving school safety following the abduction incident in Oriire Local Government Area.
He stressed that children should be able to attend school without fear and said the NSCDC would continue its sensitisation and training activities to support efforts to protect students.
The commandant also emphasised the importance of providing a secure environment where children could pursue their education without unnecessary exposure to security threats.
NSCDC Identifies Challenges Affecting School Security
Despite reaching thousands of students, the Oyo State Command disclosed that inadequate operational resources affected the implementation of the campaign.
The challenges included insufficient patrol vehicles for emergency responses in remote communities and a shortage of communication equipment for effective coordination.
The command also reported inadequate portable public address systems for large gatherings, insufficient printing materials, limited information and communication technology facilities, and a lack of appropriate presentation equipment.
Other concerns included shortages of first aid supplies and emergency rescue kits, as well as the absence of a fully equipped Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre.
The NSCDC called for support to address these limitations and strengthen its capacity to respond to emergencies involving schools across the state.
Schools Urged to Strengthen Security Measures
The command advised school proprietors and administrators to improve security by fencing and illuminating their premises, clearing surrounding bushes and farms, and monitoring access by visitors.
It also recommended engaging licensed private security guards where necessary to complement existing security arrangements.
The NSCDC appealed to the Oyo State Government, local government authorities, corporate organisations and individuals to provide logistical assistance to strengthen the programme.
It said additional resources would help improve the implementation of school safety measures beyond awareness campaigns.
Parents, teachers and residents were also urged to report suspicious individuals or activities around schools to the nearest NSCDC formation in Oyo State.
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