Akoh: Peace Corps To Deploy Grassroots Security Network Against Kidnappings

The Peace Corps of Nigeria has commenced measures aimed at repositioning the organisation to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling the persistent invasion of educational institutions, as well as the kidnapping of students and staff across the country.

The National Commandant of the Peace Corps of Nigeria, Dickson Akoh, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja, stating that the growing wave of criminal attacks on the nation’s educational system poses a serious threat to educational development in Nigeria.
According to him, the prevailing security challenges could create severe psychological trauma and widespread fear among students, while also discouraging parents from sending their children and wards to schools and colleges, thereby endangering the future of Nigerian youths.
Akoh explained that in response to the escalating insecurity, the organisation would deploy a layered security network that combines grassroots monitoring with early warning systems to identify and contain threats before they escalate.
He further stated that the Corps would deploy disciplined and specialised officers trained by conventional security agencies to tackle issues such as cultism, drug abuse and unauthorised access, while establishing a proactive, community-driven security presence within schools to protect lives and property.
According to him, real-time intelligence gathered by the Corps would be transmitted swiftly to conventional security agencies to ensure rapid and coordinated responses to security threats.
Akoh also appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action on the Peace Corps of Nigeria Bill in order to strengthen the organisation and provide legal backing for its operations under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Commandant assured that the Corps’ nationwide personnel revalidation exercise would further strengthen ongoing reforms from the national headquarters down to local government commands to enhance efficiency and accountability.
“This revalidation exercise makes the submission of the National Identification Number strictly compulsory for all personnel to eliminate anonymity, prevent identity fraud and provide absolute assurance to state security agencies and the public regarding the integrity of officers,” he said.
He added that any officer or member trained between 1998 and 2026 who fails to participate in the exercise or provide valid academic credentials and National Identification Number would forfeit membership and be removed from the Corps database.
Akoh further noted that the Corps would continue to advance its core values with renewed commitment as a voluntary youth-focused non-governmental organisation.