The Nigeria Police Force has beefed up security round schools in its bid to actualise the mandate of the federal government to protect all schools at all levels from kidnapping and threats of terrorism.
This was contained in a statement issued to Blueprint Wednesday, in Lagos by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who stated that the Police have launched a stakeholders’ forum for a seamless operation and efficiency in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Adejobi said the significant event was held at the Police Resource centre, Jabi, Abuja, Tuesday following similar fora, which were conducted in Kaduna and Niger states from May 8-9 and May 14-15, 2024.
The event, themed: “Strengthening Security Resilience: Integration of host communities in the Protection of Education,” is a crucial step towards enhancing school safety in the light of the current security challenges faced by some of our educational institutions in the country.
The IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, who was ably represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the department of operations, DIG, Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, reiterated that the IGP’s vision of high-standard dedication to advancing security and collaborative measures to protect educational institutions in the FCT and across the nation.
He reiterated further the aim and objectives of the initiative which was to enhance collaboration amongst the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders.
He also stated that the forum’s goal for the host communities was to better understand their roles in safeguarding schools and ensuring a secure learning environment for all students within their vicinities.
“The establishment of the School Protection Squad (SPS), is the initiative of the IGP, and it has been designed to create a more secure environment for learning across the FCT and other states of the federation. The initiative has been described as timely and vital for addressing the widespread insecurity affecting the country, most especially the kidnapping of students in various schools across the country.”