Police Move to Protect Schools Across Nigeria, Train School Protection Squad in FCT

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Police Force have taken practical steps to protect schools across the federation.

The FCT Police Command also organized a strategic forum and training on school protection squad for schools in the federal capital territory, Abuja.

Speaking at the official opening of the forum and capacity building for the protection squad, the Minister of FCT Nyesom Wike assured the public that schools in FCT will be safe and secured for good learning.

Represented by the Director of Security Services, Alhaji Adamu Gwari, the Minister said: “This is a noble idea and I believe it will go a long way in ensuring safer school environment, particularly in the FCT. This is in consonance with effort made by all government agencies in providing necessary support to the security agencies”.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun said the police in its bid to actualise the mandate of the federal government of Nigeria to protect schools at all levels in the country, has launched a stakeholder’s forum for a seamless operation and efficiency in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He recalled that similar fora, were held in Kaduna and Niger States between May 8-9 and May 14-15, 2024.

Represented by Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations, Ede Ekpeji, IG said that the establishment of the School Protection Squad (SPS), is his initiative and was designed to create a more secure environment for learning across the FCT, and other states of the federation.

The National Coordinator, Safe School Initiative, Mrs. Halima Iliya, said the programme reflects the government’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and the right to education.

The Commissioner of Police FCT, Benneth Igweh pledged to work with school management to guarantee security in all the schools in FCT.

According to him, “I have already informed the principals of both the senior and junior secondary schools and the headmasters of the primaries as well as the public and private schools that we have to work together”.

He concluded the police will also employ technology in providing adequate security for the schools.