General Musa Calls for Review of Safe School Initiative Amid Rising Kidnappings

General Musa Calls for Review of Safe School Initiative Amid Rising Kidnappings

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), has urged the Federal Government to conduct a thorough review of the Safe School Initiative as cases of student abductions continue to rise across the country.

Musa made the call on Wednesday during his screening by the Senate for the position of Minister of Defence, following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.

Describing the spike in school kidnappings as “deeply troubling,” he said government must adopt a more comprehensive and updated security strategy.

“The issue of kidnapping of students is very unfortunate, but since last year, the Safe Schools Initiative has been implemented. We need to review it critically and ensure the approach is holistic,” Musa told the Senate.

The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in 2014 after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls.

Musa stressed that strengthening local communities is crucial in preventing attacks, noting that criminal activities are rooted in local environments.

“Now, we must build the resilience of our communities because crime is localized. If we are able to build the capacity of the locals themselves, they will be the first responders,” he said.

Read also: President Tinubu Nominate Gen.Christopher Musa As the New Minister Of Defence.

He also pledged to investigate reports that troops withdrew from duty posts shortly before armed men abducted 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State on November 17.

Additionally, Musa revealed that once he assumes office, he will set up a committee to probe the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba.

He assured lawmakers that restoring security and public confidence would form the core of his priorities if confirmed as Defence Minister.