DHQ Unveils Protocol for Safe School Initiative in Response to Escalating Abductions
According to Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, the SOP will provide necessary guidelines for members of the Armed Forces to implement the Safe Schools Initiative within the confines of international and national laws. This move comes in the wake of recent abductions, including the kidnapping of 287 pupils in Kaduna.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) introduced its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Safe School Initiative on Thursday. This initiative, launched in 2014 after the abduction of about 300 schoolgirls from Chibok, Borno State, aims to ensure that children in conflict areas or affected by insecurity can continue their education.
According to Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, the SOP will provide necessary guidelines for members of the Armed Forces to implement the Safe Schools Initiative within the confines of international and national laws. This move comes in the wake of recent abductions, including the kidnapping of 287 pupils in Kaduna.
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Addressing stakeholders at the launch, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.) emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring the success of the initiative. He stressed the need for community involvement and intelligence sharing to create a safer environment for teaching and learning.
Halima Iliya, representing the Ministry of Finance, highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria's educational system, including kidnapping and terror attacks. She noted that the Safe School Initiative had been delayed due to a lack of policy and budgetary allocations to provide necessary support.
In conclusion, the Safe School Initiative seeks to address the educational crises caused by insecurity by fostering a safer learning environment. The launch of the SOP signifies a step forward in ensuring the safety and security of schoolchildren across the country.
