IGP Moves to Protect Schools, Engages CPs Across Nigeria
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed all Commissioners of Police across Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT to engage stakeholders in ensuring the safety of schools. This move aligns with the National Plan on the Financing Safe Schools Initiative, aimed at protecting learning environments from security threats.
Speaking at the launch of the Save Schools Stakeholders Forum in Bauchi on Thursday, the IGP, represented by AIG Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, described the initiative as a vital step toward an all-inclusive approach to school safety. He also inaugurated the Bauchi State Police Command’s new Schools Protection Squad (SPS), a specialized unit tasked with safeguarding educational institutions.
The IGP emphasized that securing schools requires strong collaboration between police, school authorities, community leaders, and government stakeholders. He called on the Bauchi Commissioner of Police to implement innovative, actionable plans to strengthen school security.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by AIG Ahmed Abdulrahman, urged security agencies to work with student leaders to detect and report threats. He encouraged students to use appropriate channels to report suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
Commissioner of Police in Bauchi, CP Sani-Omoloto Aliyu, highlighted the rising trend of kidnappings and violent attacks on schools, which have spread fear among students, parents, and educators. He noted that the Safe School Programme was developed as a response to these challenges and assured that the new squad will be well-trained and equipped to prevent attacks and respond swiftly to emergencies.
He further noted that the federal government has shown commitment to the programme by allocating resources to support its full implementation across the country.
