Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Mexico, Reno Omokri, has stated that it is impracticable for the Federal Government to provide security for every school across the country.
This statement follows the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
Omokri, a former presidential aide, stated this in a post shared on his X handle on Saturday while reacting to the incident, which has renewed concerns over insecurity and the safety of educational institutions nationwide.
According to him, the challenge of securing schools should be viewed within the broader context of the security threats confronting Nigeria and other countries in the Sahel region, rather than through what he described as emotionally driven criticism of the Federal Government.
He argued that persistent attacks on President Bola Tinubu, his administration and supporters over security incidents risk deepening divisions within the country and undermining collective efforts to tackle insecurity.
Omokri maintained that terrorist groups often benefit when citizens turn against one another instead of focusing on practical and sustainable solutions to security challenges.
The ambassador-designate noted that Nigeria has approximately 300,000 schools but fewer than 300,000 soldiers, making it impossible for federal security agencies alone to protect every educational institution across the country.
He said the reality underscores the need for the establishment of state police, which he described as a critical component of efforts to strengthen grassroots security architecture.
“Rather than criticise President Bola Tinubu over the Ogbomosho abduction, ask your governor to get on board with the state police initiative of the Tinubu administration,” he said.
Omokri further urged state governments to assume greater responsibility for securing schools and strengthening local security structures, rather than placing the burden solely on the Federal Government whenever security breaches occur.
Drawing attention to community-based policing initiatives in Lagos State, he recalled that a local security structure introduced in the state was eventually legalised in 2016, providing a framework for grassroots intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
He argued that the model has contributed significantly to security improvements in Lagos, which he described as one of the safest states in the country.
The former presidential aide also stressed that the security of schools falls largely within the purview of state governments and called on governors to support ongoing efforts toward the creation of state police as a long-term solution to insecurity.
He added that increased allocations from the Federation Account to states and local governments have enhanced their financial capacity to undertake such responsibilities, insisting that inadequate funding should no longer be cited as a major obstacle.
Omokri also emphasised the importance of community participation in security management, noting that law enforcement agencies depend heavily on timely intelligence from residents to prevent criminal activities and respond effectively to threats.
He urged citizens to report suspicious movements and activities through appropriate emergency channels, stressing that cooperation between communities and security agencies remains vital in addressing the country’s security challenges.
“Let us now consider some facts and introduce solutions. Nigeria has approximately 300,000 schools and fewer than 300,000 soldiers.
“It is not practicable for the Federal Government to guard every school in Nigeria.
“That is why President Bola Tinubu proposed state police and asked governors to get on board. Only state police can secure Nigeria’s 300,000 schools,” he said.