The Inspector General of Police, IG Kayode Egbetokun has launched Schools Protection Squad in Anambra State to ensure security in educational institutions of all cadre in the state.
The squad, a creation of the IGP, is coordinated by CP Ogunlowo as a way to secure schools and also reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, AIG Godwin Aghaulor who represented Egbetokun during a stakeholders forum on security of schools in Anambra State on Tuesday said the forum offers promising steps and measures geared towards prioritizing, and improving security in and around schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.
He said: “Our presence here today is a testament to our collective will and effort to support the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force in promoting the Federal government agenda of prioritizing school protection in Nigeria, as this is one of the many strategic forums on school protection that has been initiated and ongoing in many parts of the country.
“The safety and security of our educational institutions are paramount, and it is imperative that we work together to protect and safeguard our students and educators. Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant role in fostering to secure and harmonious coexistence.
“Nigeria Police Force has also embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide.”
The forum had the theme: Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education, and featured paper presentation from Prof Chidozie Nwafor, Head of Department in the Department of Psychology in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam said to address the challenge of insecurity in schools, the command adopted a multi-faceted approach.
He listed the approaches to include conducting regular security assessments and developing emergency response plans, enhancing access control and surveillance systems, collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and training of educators and staff on security protocols.
Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim commended the IG for housing the state as one of the pioneer states for the launch of School Protection Squad.
He said the Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo is working hard to ensure security and a beautiful education system in the state.
