The Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, says it has made significant progress in tackling kidnapping, cultism and other security challenges affecting communities where many of its students reside.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mohammed Isa Kida, disclosed this on Monday during an interaction with journalists at the institution’s conference hall in Lafia.

Kida said the university had sustained collaboration with security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the military, to address recurring security concerns in Mararaba and Akunza communities.

He said the university had also engaged about 200 volunteer hunters and vigilantes to provide security support and intelligence to professional security agencies.

“We partnered with the security agencies including the Police, DSS, Civil Defence and the military to address the recurring cases of insecurity bedevilling communities around the university,” he said.

The vice-chancellor said the university had more than 150 vigilantes and nearly 50 hunters on its payroll, with the personnel receiving stipends for their services.

He acknowledged that the number was not sufficient to address all the security challenges but said their efforts had contributed significantly to improving safety within the university community.

Kida solicited greater cooperation from journalists in the state, particularly in exposing individuals involved in kidnapping, cultism and other criminal activities around the institution.

He said protecting students and staff remained a priority, noting that insecurity could have severe consequences for students and their families.

The vice-chancellor said the university had engaged community leaders and residents in areas where students lived as part of efforts to strengthen security and prevent criminal activities.

He stressed that the institution would continue working with relevant security agencies and communities to sustain the progress recorded in addressing insecurity around the university.