……commissions platforms, vehicles and safe schools’ equipment.
On Thursday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, flagged off the training and sensitization of state coordinators and divisional police officers for the Nigeria Police Force on school protection and the commissioning of platforms, vehicles, and equipment.
The IGP said that the training programme aims to equip state coordinators and divisional police officers from all 36 states and the FCT with comprehensive knowledge of the police’s role in the National Plan for Safe Schools in Nigeria.
“It is designed to facilitate the development of a strategic roadmap for the Force’s collaboration with various stakeholders to secure our children’s learning environments. Additionally, the inauguration of the equipment seeks to optimise the human and material resources of the force to tackle crimes, particularly those targeting educational institutions, the IGP said.
He further said that the safety of schools and educational establishments is a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force.
“We are steadfast in our efforts to implement strategies and mobilise resources to counter threats facing our students, staff, and educational infrastructure.
“Furthermore, the current police administration has established the Special Intervention Squad (SIS), an elite unit conceived to swiftly counteract criminal activities nationwide. This squad will augment the efforts of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), ensuring our educational facilities remain free from harm and disruption, as the IGP reiterated.
He also said that recognising that success hinges on police preventive measures and response to incidents in schools, the police are committed to working in harmony with other security agencies, stakeholders, and, importantly, the communities, to sustain the trust and confidence of these communities in their mission.
“I assure you that the police are and always will be a steadfast ally to our citizens in times of both crisis and peace. Our oath to defend and protect lives, properties, and the freedoms of all Nigerians is unwavering. We invite everyone to support this noble cause.
“To all officers participating in this training, I urge you to engage fully and absorb everything it offers. The knowledge you gain is crucial to the quality of service you will provide. Your dedication and exemplary conduct are vital in upholding the trust placed in us by the government and the people of Nigeria.
IGP Egbetokun extended his gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning for spearheading the “Financing Safe Schools National Plan” and to all who have contributed to reaching this milestone.
He called on all citizens to collaborate with the police and other security bodies in safeguarding schools. as through united efforts, society can significantly enhance national security.
The National Coordinator, of Financing Safe Schools, Mrs. Halima Iliya, noted that the capacities of security personnel, schools’ host communities, critical stakeholders, students and staff of schools would be built to help them all fit into the National Plan itself and play their respective roles. The event also had in attendance representatives of all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as the Force Management Team, Senior Police Officers, and other distinguished guests.
Recall that on July 31, 2023, in a significant move towards prioritising the security and safety of schools and students, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, announced the formation of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).
This proactive initiative aims to enhance security in educational institutions across the nation, safeguarding lives and property.
It is also a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria.
The SPS is a highly specialised division operating within the Nigeria Police Force. This particular unit is tasked with the crucial responsibility of formulating comprehensive policies and actively engaging pertinent stakeholders to guarantee the utmost safety and protection of students, teachers, and the infrastructure of educational institutions.
Also, on August 20, 2023, IGP Kayode Egbetokun launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) manual for the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) and organised a workshop on the Safe Schools initiative for strategic police managers at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja.
The squad has been provided with pertinent resources and refined training to adeptly address the security predicaments confronting educational institutions.
