By Jethro Ibileke/Edo
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the Nigeria Police Force School Protection Squad in Edo State as part of efforts to ensure security and conducive learning environment for teachers and students in the State.
Speaking at a stakeholders forum in Benin yesterday, Egbetokun described the school protection squad as a milestone in the ongoing commitment by the Force to safeguard educational institutions in the country.
Egbetokun who was represented by AIG in charge of Zone 5, Benin, Salman Garba-Dogo, said the squad that is specifically trained to work with school communities, will serve as a rapid response and preventive unit, assess threats, respond to emergencies, and build trust between students and law enforcement.
He disclosed that the initiative is developed in close collaboration with the ministry of education, government and the parents-teacher’s association.
“Their role goes beyond protection; they will engage students, provide educational support on safety awareness and foster a culture of vigilance and partnership. Our goal is not just physical security but emotional reassurance for students, teachers and parents alike,” he said.
“This is a reflection of our belief that school safety is a shared responsibility that requires unity, vigilance and compassion. Every child has the right to learn in an environment that is free from fear. We will not waver in our duty to protect that right.
The police boss encouraged students/pupils, educators, and families to partner with the police, share concerns, report suspicious activities, and engage school officers, adding that, “together, we can make our schools safer, stronger and more resilient.”
Also speaking, the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, noted that education is not just a pillar of development, but foundation upon which we build our future.
He said his administration is aligning with federal government’s school protection’s vision and have this come together to implement effective strategies that will protect our children and educators.
Okpebholo who was represented by his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, noted that to enhance security across its educational institutions, his administration has embarked on construction of perimeter fencing of schools to provide physical protection.
“The theme of this forum, ‘Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,’ the governor said, aptly captures the essence of our collective mission.
He said the initiative would ensure that every child in Edo State can learn, grow and thrive in a secure and nurturing environment.
“So, as we seek to strengthen our educational system, we must first confront the escalating challenges threatening the safety of our children and their learning environments which includes schools.
“These challenges are not unique to Edo State, they are national in scope and therefore demand a coordinated and inclusive response as provided by this forum,” Okpebholo said.
In his remarks, the national coordinator of School Protection Squad, Dr. Abayomi Shogunle, described the initiative as combative community peace strategy designed to protect schools, empower students and build trust between law enforcement, educator and family.
Shogunle disclosed that over 65 police officers from Edo State police command have been trained to respond, go on sensitization regarding school safety initiative across the three Senatorial District
“What the IGP is trying to do is to get everybody involved, because it is safer and cheaper to prevent crime from happen rather being reactionary, to security situation around school,” he said.
