Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has inaugurated the schools protection squad in Nasarawa State, to create a safer and more secure learning environment for students and teachers.
Speaking at a stakeholders forum on the security of schools on Monday in Lafia, Egbetokun said the initiative was borne out of the commitment to ensure the safety of students and educational institutions.
Egbetokun directed all commissioners of police within the zones to engage various stakeholders to ensure that the safety of schools is guaranteed.
The IGP, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 4, Makurdi, AIG Zachariah Achinyan, said training programmes would be instituted for educators, administrators and security personnel to leverage the acquired skills to recognise and respond to security threats.
“The safe schools are a culture of safety for our students, teachers, staff and our community at large.
“We cannot overemphasis the importance of schools to the overall development of our dear nation, they are not only a sanctuary of knowledge, but also a nurturing ground for our future leaders.
” This means that the security of schools determines the security of our future, we will make use of modern technology and intelligent policing to ensure proactive law enforcement presence around our schools,” he said.
Egbetokun urged schools, parents and communities to work in consonant with security agencies as they champion the cause of the safety and well-being of children in schools.
Also speaking, Governor Abdullahi Sule commended Egbetokun for the initiative and for selecting Nasarawa as one of the pilot states.
He appreciated security agencies and traditional rulers for their synergy that brought peace and harmony in the state.
“For us in Nasarawa State, we are addressing two issues that are so dear to this administration, security and education.
“Indeed, without education, there won’t be any meaningful development, and without security, there won’t be peace of mind to even have the education that we are looking for. So these two items are extremely important for us,” he said.
In a welcome address, the Commissioner of Police, Shettima Mohammed described the initiative as a step forward and a collective effort to safeguard the lives of children and teachers alike.
Mohammed said the establishment of the schools protection squad demonstrates a renewed commitment to proactive security measures, early intervention and creating a secure environment for students and teachers.
“As we launch this initiative, we acknowledge that school safety is a shared responsibility, it requires active participation of government agencies, law enforcement, school administrators, parents and broader communities,” he said.
On his part, the National Coordinator and Commissioner of Police in charge of Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle said the initiative is in line with the current administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property.
