Schools and churches across Nigeria are strengthening security measures amid growing concerns over possible attacks by terrorists and bandits.
Findings by Punch showed that some schools have created emergency escape routes, installed surveillance cameras and reinforced perimeter fencing in response to recent security incidents.
Some transport unions have also reportedly restricted night journeys while increasing vigilance at motor parks and along major highways.
Schools and places of worship are considered potential targets for terrorists, prompting institutions and community organisations to adopt additional preventive measures.
The development followed an alleged security advisory from the Office of the National Security Adviser warning Nigerians to remain vigilant over potential attacks by terrorist and bandit groups.
The advisory, reportedly dated August 27, 2026, was said to have been circulated to security agencies as part of preventive measures. It warned that the groups could resort to isolated attacks aimed at creating fear after being dislodged from their northern enclaves.
Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the First Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Bashir Oyewo, said the union was working with the Federal Government and security agencies to improve the protection of teachers and pupils, particularly in rural communities.
Oyewo said discussions had also been held with the Federal Government over the reorganisation of the Safe School Project in response to emerging security concerns.
“We met the Federal Government through the Minister of Education just recently to discuss this matter.
“In all, all hands are on deck and we are collaborating to ensure our schools are safe for our teachers and pupils,” he said.
The National President of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Hussein Danjuma, said the association had engaged additional security personnel in some schools to complement government efforts.
Danjuma said many schools, particularly those controlled by state governments, lacked adequate security personnel, making it necessary for PTAs to provide additional protection.
“Most of the schools we have in Nigeria lack security personnel. Most of the schools under the state only have a few security personnel.
“So, in each PTA, we task ourselves by engaging the services of security personnel,” he said.
A school principal in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Bolaji Adekoya, said his school had created an emergency escape route and sensitised pupils on how to use it during an attack.
“We have erected a gate and created an escape path that was not there before. We should be prepared for anything because of what is happening across the country.
“Apart from having good perimeter fencing and a gate, we believe the escape route is also needed,” Adekoya said.
Similarly, a former chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Osun State, Alhaja Kojusola Adepoju, said virtually all private schools in the state had adopted one or more additional security measures.
According to her, the measures include installing CCTV cameras, increasing the height and length of perimeter fencing and engaging local security personnel.
Adepoju said insecurity had become a major concern among school proprietors, particularly following the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
“This insecurity matter is deeply concerning and became worrisome after the Oyo abduction. Some of our schools are being fortified as we speak and some had earlier taken security measures.
“We don’t pray for any attack, but at the same time, we are taking steps to protect ourselves. Some schools have mounted security cameras; some have increased the number of their security personnel, and some have added to the size of their perimeter fencing. There are some other steps that we can’t discuss on the phone,” she said.
The measures reflect growing concerns among schools, parents and other stakeholders over the security of educational institutions and vulnerable communities amid Nigeria’s wider security challenges.
