UDUS Tightens Campus Security, Announces Night Patrols Starting July 11

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), Mr. Abdullahi Gwandu, has announced the commencement of night patrols across the university, beginning Friday, July 11, as part of efforts to improve campus security.

He made the announcement during a security engagement meeting with members of the National Association of Campus Journalists (NACJ), held at the Students’ Union Secretariat. The meeting addressed key concerns affecting student safety, including hostel security, cultism, reckless motorcycle riding, ID card enforcement, and external threats from surrounding communities.

Mr. Gwandu stated that all hostels are to be locked by 12:00 a.m. daily, while Morocco Ground will maintain a stricter 10:00 p.m. He said the security unit is working in collaboration with the Dean and Deputy Dean of Students to inspect and maintain hostel padlocks, assuring that any broken or missing locks would be replaced promptly.

In response to rising insecurity around private hostels, the CSO disclosed that warning messages had been sent to nearby villagers to stop planting crops close to student lodges. He also said herders have been cautioned against moving animals within academic and residential areas.

Speaking on sexual harassment, Mr. Gwandu urged students to report all cases without hesitation and to escalate issues if security personnel fail to respond. He promised to personally inspect the security logbooks and sanction any officer found negligent.

He also warned students against involvement in cultism and advised female students to avoid exploitative behavior, urging them to uphold discipline and self-respect.

To further tighten security, Mr. Gwandu emphasized the compulsory use of ID cards, describing them as part of student identity and dressing. He said any student seen without an ID card would be sanctioned.

On the issue of reckless riding, he encouraged students to report any motorcyclist operating without proper identification or engaging in dangerous riding. The security unit, he said, will take strict disciplinary action against such individuals.

Students were also cautioned to avoid actions that could incite ethnic or cultural tensions, especially during sensitive periods.

The CSO ended the meeting by calling for stronger collaboration between students and the security department. The NACJ team commended the CSO’s transparency and pledged to support campus security through awareness campaigns and responsible journalism.

 “Let’s work together for a safer campus,” he concluded.