The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has unveiled a school protection squad in Bauchi State,
Egbetokun unveiled the squad today at the launching of ‘Save Schools’ Stakeholders Forum’ at Hazibal Hotel Conference hall.
He said it is only by working together with stakeholders that security agencies can achieve a safer, more secure and conducive learning environment for the Nigerian children
Represented by AIG Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, Egbetokun advised the State Commissioner of Police to use his expertise, experience and ideas to develop innovations and actionable plans that will enhance the security and resilience of schools in the state.
He said that the squad is part of the safe school initiatives of the IGP who directed Commissioners of Police across the 36 states and the FCT to engage various stakeholders to ensure the safety of schools in line with the overall National plan on ‘Financing Safe Schools Initiative’ across the Federation.
Egbetokun described the initiative as a significant stride towards all-inclusive approach to safe schools and learning environments.
The IGP said it has become imperative for the Nigerian educational authorities and community leaders to work with security agencies towards fortifying the schools against any potential threat.
He assured that Police are always ready to continue to protect lives and properties and ensure safe learning environment for students.
Governor Bala Mohammed said intelligence units of various security agencies should enlighten some students’ leaders and their unions to identify any threat and inform security authorities.
Governor Bala who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, AIG Ahmed Abdulrahman, advised students’ leaders to use the right channel to alert the Control Room of security outfits whenever they notice any suspicious person or event.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omoloto Aliyu highlighted the alarming increase of kidnappings, attacks and violence targeting schools, students, and staff.
“These abhorrent incidents have not only disrupted the educational process but have also instilled fear and anxiety among parents, students, and the nation at large, which the police in collaboration with the federal government and various stakeholders responded with the development of the “Safe School Programme.
Sani said that the unit will work closely with educational institutions, communities, and other stakeholders to identify potential threats, respond promptly to emergencies, and provide support to affected schools and communities.
He said, the squad represents a significant advancement in the Police’s commitment to school safety, maintaining that the squad in the state will be rigorously trained and dedicated to preventing attacks and effectively addressing emergencies as they arise.
The CP explained that the federal government has demonstrated dedication to this initiative by providing funding and resources to support the implementation of the programme.
The Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle said the security and safety of schools and other learning environments continue to attract the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, hence the need for the unveiling.
He explained that “In recent years, Nigeria has faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide-related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure, sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities. These incidents can be linked to the increasing number of out-of-school children.”
Shogunle described the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report to have indicating that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.
He said that the Nigerian government recognised its responsibility to create a safer and more secure learning environment, which resulted in the formal signing of the Safe School Declaration document on December 31, 2019.
“Today’s event, Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities, aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools in Nigeria.
“The plan has a national investment response aimed at protecting schools, learners, teachers and non-teaching staff from attacks in all parts of Nigeria, and was designed to achieve measurable outcomes such as reducing the numbers of out-of-school children and improving Nigeria’s rating in the human capital index in the long run, “he insisted.
Shogunle said the policy also provides guidelines and a framework for ensuring safe and secure learning environments in schools nationwide.
