Tinubu warning on boarding schools follows rising kidnappings as he urges states, churches and mosques to strengthen security nationwide
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja issued a stark Tinubu warning on boarding schools, urging state governments to reconsider establishing such institutions in remote or poorly protected areas due to the rising threat of mass abductions.
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Tinubu’s position follows recent kidnappings in Niger, Kebbi and other states, where large numbers of pupils were taken by armed groups.
The President said that boarding schools sited without adequate security were becoming increasingly vulnerable.
He called on religious institutions, including mosques and churches, to seek police protection for major gatherings, particularly in locations where security threats are persistent.
Tinubu added that his administration remained committed to securing the remaining students of St.
Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State and other hostages still in captivity. He confirmed on Tuesday the safe release of the 24 remaining schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye said security agencies had activated an aggressive intelligence network with schools under the newly relaunched Operation Sweep.
He explained that schools across Abuja were now being profiled and patrolled to rebuild confidence, noting that two recent scares at Veritas University and Government Secondary School, Tunga Maje, were false alarms.
Dantawaye warned residents against spreading unverified information and urged real-time reporting to avoid unnecessary panic.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike condemned an unauthorised circular that ordered schools to shut down. He described the action as a dangerous administrative breach and insisted that no threat justified school closures.
The Education Secretary responsible for issuing the memo has been suspended pending further disciplinary action.
In response to renewed attacks on educational institutions, the Unique Care and Support Foundation called for coordinated security measures in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Executive Director Benjamin John condemned the abductions of students and teachers in Niger, Kebbi and Borno, saying repeated assaults threatened the stability of Nigeria’s schooling system.
John urged security agencies to act decisively to rescue abducted learners and prevent further incidents.
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He emphasised that children’s safety was central to national development and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to protecting their right to education.
