From Moshood Karim
A new chapter in the protection of schools across Nigeria began on Friday as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, formally launched the Nigeria Police Force School Protection Squad in Edo State. The initiative aims to safeguard pupils, educators and school environments amidst growing security concerns nationwide.
The launch, which took place during a stakeholders’ forum in Benin, was attended by key government officials, education leaders and community representatives. The IGP, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, Salman Garba-Dogo, hailed the creation of the squad as a “landmark in our mission to secure the future of Nigeria through safe education.”
According to Garba-Dogo, the squad comprises specially trained officers tasked with not only responding to threats but also working proactively within school communities to detect risks, deliver safety education, and cultivate trust between students and the police.
“This is about more than just physical presence. These officers will be mentors and partners to our schools. They will help promote awareness, offer guidance, and support a sense of security that is essential for learning,” he said.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, state authorities, and the Parents-Teachers Association. Its approach is collaborative, designed to embed safety practices within communities and foster a culture of shared responsibility.
Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, echoed the importance of unity in addressing school safety. Speaking through his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, the governor expressed his administration’s full alignment with the federal government’s vision.
“Education is the bedrock of progress,” Okpebholo said. “We cannot afford to allow fear or insecurity to rob our children of the right to learn and grow. That is why we are investing in protective measures such as school perimeter fencing and the deployment of State Security Corps to local communities.”
He added that the government had also prioritised mental health and guidance services in schools, recognising that security is both physical and emotional.
National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad, Commissioner of Police Dr. Abayomi Shogunle, described the programme as a “community-centred peacekeeping model,” crafted to empower students and prevent criminal activity around schools.
Dr. Shogunle revealed that over 65 officers from the Edo State Police Command had undergone training to spearhead the squad’s operations across the state’s three senatorial districts. In addition, a dedicated national call centre is now active to receive and respond to school-related distress calls round the clock.
He noted that recent threats to education – including kidnappings and attacks on school infrastructure – had made it imperative for the federal government to prioritise school safety. “This is not just about reacting to danger, it’s about staying ahead of it. A safe school is a thriving school,” he added.
Uptown Press Nigeria reports that, the launch of the School Protection Squad marks a significant step towards bolstering security across Nigeria’s learning institutions, ensuring that children, teachers and families can focus on education without fear.
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