Air Chief Sunday Aneke assures swift response to campus threats

Air Chief Sunday Aneke assures swift response to campus threats as TETFund unveils stronger security measures for Nigerian universities

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Tuesday assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Air Force is strengthening rapid-response mechanisms to address security threats against students across the country’s tertiary institutions.

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Air Marshal Sunday Aneke gave the assurance during a visit to the headquarters of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund in Abuja, stressing that protecting students remains a national priority despite the logistical difficulties posed by Nigeria’s vast territory and complex terrain.

The air chief said security responses must focus on speed and coordination, particularly in remote communities where delays often increase risks during emergencies.

“Security is not something you want to discuss fully in public, but to give some insight, Nigeria is a very large country with challenging terrain. But children must go to school,” Air Marshal Sunday Aneke said.

The air chief explained that the Nigerian Air Force is working with relevant authorities to establish mechanisms that allow nearby units to be deployed immediately whenever threats emerge around educational institutions.

“The challenge is always the elapsed time between when an event occurs and when help arrives. But luckily, the Air Force has speed and reach,” Air Marshal Sunday Aneke said.

The assurance that Aneke assures swift response to campus threats comes amid growing concerns over safety in Nigerian schools and universities, where incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks have disrupted academic activities in recent years.

Air Marshal Sunday Aneke also appealed to the public for patience and recognition of the sacrifices made by security personnel who respond to emergencies across the country.

“While Nigerians sleep, many of my officers and men are putting their lives on the line, flying in the middle of the night and responding to emergencies,” Air Marshal Sunday Aneke said. The air chief added that security operations often involve significant personal risk for service members.

During the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, outlined measures being introduced to strengthen security across campuses nationwide.

Sonny Echono said institutions are being encouraged to implement practical safeguards including improved fencing, better lighting, and enhanced communication systems for campus security personnel.

“First is addressing the basic issues of security, such as fencing, illuminating our campuses, ensuring that every corner of our campuses is visible, and equipping security personnel with walkie-talkies and communication facilities,” Sonny Echono said.

The TETFund chief revealed that the organisation is currently designing a comprehensive security master plan in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies.

According to Sonny Echono, the plan also involves extending the Safe Schools Initiative to tertiary institutions, broadening the programme beyond its original focus on primary and secondary schools.

“Only last December, we invited heads of institutions and heads of security around our campuses to brainstorm and come up with ways to prevent incidents and respond in the event of one,” Sonny Echono said.

Security coordination units have also been created within institutions to integrate resources from the Army, Navy, Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the Air Force in a unified response framework.

Sonny Echono further disclosed that TETFund has introduced a dedicated security infrastructure funding line, marking a significant intervention aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of security agencies protecting universities and colleges.

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The renewed assurances that Aneke assures swift response to campus threats come as authorities intensify efforts to safeguard educational environments and restore confidence among students and staff across Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Quadri Olaitan