The National Association of Nigerian Students, Ogun State Joint Campus Council, has raised the alarm over what it described as a growing wave of insecurity and robbery targeting students of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, calling on security agencies and the institution’s management to take urgent action.

The association said the reported incidents had created fear among students and threatened the conducive learning environment for which the institution is known.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Adimado Ahmed, who is also a student of the institution, NANS expressed concern over the increasing reports of robbery, harassment and other security breaches within and around the campus.

“The increasing reports of robbery, harassment, and other security breaches within and around the institution have created anxiety among students and have the potential to undermine the peaceful academic atmosphere for which the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro is known,” the statement read.

The student body called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, other security agencies and the management of the polytechnic to strengthen security measures to protect students and staff.

According to the association, there is an urgent need to improve security patrols, increase surveillance around student hostels and other vulnerable locations, intensify intelligence gathering and ensure that those responsible for criminal activities are arrested and prosecuted.

“We therefore call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), other relevant security agencies, and the management of the institution to take immediate and decisive steps to address this disturbing situation,” Ahmed said.

NANS also appealed to residents of Ilaro to work closely with security agencies and the institution to improve security within the town and surrounding communities.

“Security is a shared responsibility, and the cooperation of residents, landlords, community leaders, business owners, students, staff and other stakeholders is essential to identifying suspicious activities, providing useful information and preventing criminal elements from exploiting the town and its surrounding communities,” the statement added.

The association further advised students to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary late-night movements where possible, report suspicious activities to security agencies and cooperate with security personnel.

It also encouraged students to make use of the Gateway Shield App to report criminal activities and security concerns for prompt response by the Ogun State Police Command.

“The safety of students and residents must never be treated as a secondary issue. We believe that through coordinated efforts among the institution’s management, security agencies, the Ilaro community, student leaders and the wider student body, lasting solutions can be achieved,” the statement noted.

NANS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare, security and academic interests of students, saying it would continue engaging relevant stakeholders until normalcy is restored and students can pursue their education without fear.