By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged Nigerians to reawaken their security consciousness as a critical step toward improving personal safety and collective security across the country. The call was made on Thursday in Lokoja by a representative of the DSS, Kogi State Command, Mallam Abubakar Muhammad.Muhammad delivered the message during a lecture titled “Managing Security and Rumours on Campus” at the matriculation ceremony of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja. He stressed that heightened security awareness is essential, particularly among students and young people, who are often vulnerable to security threats.
According to him, the general level of security consciousness among Nigerians requires urgent reassessment and reorientation. He noted that many citizens tend to take safety issues lightly, a situation that exposes them to avoidable risks in their daily activities.Muhammad compared the situation in Nigeria with neighbouring Francophone countries, where, he said, citizens are more vigilant. “In those countries, unfamiliar faces are easily identified and monitored. This level of alertness significantly enhances community safety,” he said.
He explained that students of tertiary institutions, including Kogi State Polytechnic, face common security challenges such as the theft of mobile phones, laptops and wallets. These incidents, he noted, frequently occur in crowded lecture halls, hostels and other public spaces on campus.The DSS representative also raised concerns about unauthorised individuals gaining access to campuses and hostels by posing as students or visitors. He warned that such breaches pose serious security risks and require collective vigilance from both students and school authorities.
Muhammad further cautioned against late-night movement within and around the campus, describing it as a major exposure to avoidable dangers. He added that online scams targeting fresh students—such as fake accommodation offers and fraudulent messages—are becoming increasingly common.To reduce these risks, he advised students to rely only on credible and recognised sources for information. These include official announcements from the Polytechnic management, notices from the Student Affairs Division, campus security reports, official notice boards and verified institutional communication platforms.
He also highlighted the dangers of rumours, stressing that misinformation can escalate fear, cause panic and undermine security efforts if not properly managed. According to him, responsible information sharing is a vital aspect of security consciousness.“Security is a shared responsibility,” Muhammad said. “Students must remain alert, disciplined and responsible in their actions and interactions. Thinking carefully before acting or sharing information can prevent unnecessary harm.”
He encouraged the Polytechnic community to work together with security agencies to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment. Such collaboration, he noted, would help prevent crime, protect lives and property, and promote academic stability.Muhammad concluded by urging students to see security awareness as part of their daily routine, noting that proactive behaviour and vigilance remain key tools in safeguarding both personal and communal safety..
