The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone, has held a high-level strategic meeting with the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos State, to deliberate extensively on the worsening security situation across tertiary institutions in the Southwest region and the urgent need for stronger collaboration between students and the Nigeria Police Force.
The meeting was led by the NANS Southwest Public Relations Officer, in company of the NANS Southwest Sports Director, the National Deputy President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), and the General Secretary of the Lagos State University Students’ Union (LASUSU).
The engagement formed part of NANS’ continuous advocacy for the protection of students’ lives, dignity, and academic environment.
Rising Insecurity and Cultism on Campuses
During the meeting, the NANS delegation expressed grave concern over the persistent increase in cult-related violence, armed robbery, drug abuse and trafficking, sexual harassment, and other criminal activities within and around campuses.
It was noted that cultism remains one of the most dangerous threats to peace and academic stability in tertiary institutions, as rival groups continue to terrorize students, recruit new members through intimidation, and collaborate with external criminal gangs to perpetrate violent crimes.
The delegation emphasized that these activities have led to loss of lives, disruption of academic calendars, psychological trauma among students, and the erosion of confidence in campus safety.
NANS therefore called for:
Enhanced intelligence-driven policing around campuses,
Regular patrols within campus environments and student-dominated communities,
Stronger collaboration with school authorities and student unions, and
Speedy and transparent prosecution of apprehended offenders to serve as a deterrent.
*Concerns Over Police Extortion and Harassment of Students:*
In a frank and responsible manner, the NANS leadership also raised serious concerns about the growing reports of extortion, harassment, intimidation, and unlawful treatment of students by some corrupt police officers, particularly during stop-and-search operations, night patrols, and checkpoints around campuses.
The delegation stated that:
Many students are routinely forced to pay illegal fees before being released,
Innocent students are sometimes profiled as criminals based on appearance or possession of laptops and smartphones,
Such practices have contributed to fear, distrust, and hostility between students and law enforcement agents.
NANS stressed that while it strongly condemns criminality in all forms, the actions of a few unprofessional officers continue to damage the image of the Nigeria Police Force and undermine genuine efforts at building community trust and cooperation.
The student leaders therefore called for:
Strong internal monitoring and disciplinary measures against erring officers,
Public enlightenment of students on lawful police procedures and their rights,
Establishment of reliable complaint and feedback channels for victims of police misconduct, and
Deployment of officers with proven professionalism to campus environments.
*Insecurity at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA)*
Special attention was drawn to the disturbing security situation at Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade (GAPOSA), Ogun State.
The NANS delegation reported repeated incidents of armed robbery attacks, threats to lives and property, and insecurity around student hostels and surrounding communities.
It was further noted that inadequate police presence and delayed response to distress calls have worsened the situation, leaving students in constant fear and uncertainty.
The delegation appealed for urgent intervention through:
Immediate deployment of additional police personnel to the Saapade axis,
Intensification of day and night patrols,
Strategic security surveillance of identified flashpoints, and
Consideration of establishing a police post closer to the institution.
Response from the Zone 2 Police PPRO
In his response, the Zone 2 PPRO appreciated the NANS leadership for its maturity, courage, and commitment to peaceful engagement.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property, including students, and acknowledged the importance of addressing both criminal threats on campuses and allegations of misconduct by officers.
The PPRO assured the delegation that:
The security concerns raised would be communicated to the Assistant Inspector General of Police and relevant operational departments,
Reports of extortion and unprofessional conduct would be treated seriously, and
Continuous engagement with student bodies would be encouraged to improve intelligence sharing, accountability, and crime prevention.
He further advised students to make use of official complaint channels, avoid self-help, and promptly report suspicious activities.
*Resolutions: at the end of the meeting, both parties resolved to:*
Strengthen communication and cooperation between NANS Southwest and the Zone 2 Police Command.
Organize joint campus sensitization and security awareness programs across the region.
Follow up urgently on the security situation at GAPOSA with relevant police formations in Ogun State.
Promote professionalism, respect for human rights, and mutual trust in police–student relations.
Sustain periodic engagements to evaluate progress and emerging security concerns.
The NANS Southwest leadership reiterates its firm commitment to peaceful advocacy, student discipline, and constructive collaboration with security agencies to combat cultism, criminality, and insecurity across campuses.
At the same time, NANS will continue to speak against all forms of injustice, extortion, and abuse of power against Nigerian students, while supporting reforms that will strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force.
Post a Comment