Insecurity in Nigeria continues to threaten every citizen, regardless of age, religion, or social status. Recent events, such as the mass abductions of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger States, highlight the urgent need for decisive action. The failure to protect students not only erodes public confidence but also undermines the right to education guaranteed by the Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The federal government has responded by closing some schools, while state governors have implemented measures ranging from temporary shutdowns to enhanced local security. Yet these responses have been reactive rather than preventive, leaving millions of children vulnerable. UNICEF reports that over 18 million Nigerian children between the ages of five and fourteen were out of school in 2024, a number that continues to grow due to insecurity.

Historical patterns reveal a troubling reality: schoolchildren, especially girls, are repeatedly targeted. From the Chibok abduction in 2014 to the Kankara and Jangebe kidnappings, these incidents have traumatized entire communities and disrupted education. While initiatives like the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI) and the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) were launched to address this crisis, implementation remains largely ineffective, with many states yet to adopt these measures fully.

To restore safety in Nigerian schools, a clear, three-pronged strategy is necessary:

1. Accountability for security agencies – Officers and commanders must be held responsible for failing to prevent abductions. Proactive, community-based policing and digital surveillance can help prevent attacks before they occur.
2. End reliance on ransom payments – The government must invest in preventive measures rather than paying kidnappers, which only encourages further attacks.
3. Stronger state and local involvement – Governors and local authorities must mobilize resources and local intelligence to complement federal efforts, ensuring rapid response to threats and reinforcing the right to education.

Education should never become a crime, and the safety of children must be a national priority. Nigeria’s leaders must act decisively, upholding their constitutional obligations and protecting the next generation. Only through sustained commitment, accountability, and proactive measures can schools once again become safe spaces for learning.