CISLAC Raises Alarm Over Rising Attacks on Schoolchildren, Calls for Security Reforms

 

CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International Nigeria, has expressed serious concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly the increasing attacks on schoolchildren and the strain on the country’s security institutions.

In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that an “uncoordinated and politicised” security strategy is leaving millions of citizens, especially children, vulnerable to preventable danger.

Rafsanjani noted that the Nigerian Army remains heavily deployed across most states despite constitutional provisions placing primary responsibility for internal security on the police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS). 

He cited corruption, inadequate equipment, poor welfare systems, and weak inter-agency cooperation as factors undermining effective security responses.

The statement condemned the recent abductions in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, describing the attacks as direct assaults on education and the safety of Nigerian children.

CISLAC also criticised the diversion of police officers to politicians and private individuals at the expense of vulnerable communities, describing the commercialisation of police roadblocks as a source of extortion rather than protection. 

The organisation called for officers to be redeployed to genuinely needy areas.

Highlighting increasing politicisation within law enforcement, Rafsanjani pointed to recent incidents in Abuja where police officers were seen supporting rival political factions, and large numbers of officers were assigned to individuals instead of communities, which he said reflects weakened leadership and encourages irresponsible political behaviour.

CISLAC urged the government to implement comprehensive security sector reforms, including stronger accountability, professional conduct, welfare improvements, enhanced intelligence gathering, better equipment, and more effective interagency coordination. 

The organisation also called for early warning and response mechanisms to prevent attacks.

Rafsanjani questioned the effectiveness of the Nigeria–U.S. Bi-National Commission on security, governance, trade, and investment, arguing that internal security and governance gaps must first be addressed. 

He further criticised political defections and public celebrations at a time when many Nigerians face abductions, displacement, and violence, calling them a reflection of broader leadership failure.

The statement concluded with a call for coordinated action among the federal government, security agencies, community leaders, civil society, and international partners to rescue abducted children, prevent further attacks, and restore public trust in security operations.

“Decisive action is necessary to protect the lives, dignity, and future of all citizens,” Rafsanjani said.