Olu Samuel
The Kogi state police commissioner, CP Bello Kankarofi has called for greater collaboration in the area of information sharing mechanism to strengthen the safer schools initiatives.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja by ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, Police Public Relations Officer, Kogi State Command stated that the CP made the call when he met with education stakeholders and key actors in the education sector in his room office on Friday.
She said that the meeting was in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, to enhance the security of educational institutions across the country.
“The meeting brought together the Executive Chairman and Permanent Members of the Kogi State Senior Secondary Education Board (KGSSEB), representatives of principals of secondary schools, the Director of Administration and Finance of the Kogi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), as well as teachers from various primary and secondary schools across the State.
The engagement provided a platform for robust discussions on school safety, crime prevention, intelligence sharing, and enhanced collaboration between educational institutions, security agencies, and other critical stakeholders. Participants were sensitized on the need to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and strengthen existing partnerships aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, and school infrastructure.” Afusat noted.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner of Police emphasized that schools remain critical institutions that must be adequately protected to guarantee a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He noted that “the threat of attacks on schools and the abduction of students by criminal groups requires a collective and proactive response involving educational authorities, school administrators, teachers, parents, community leaders, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders.”
The Commissioner further stressed that preventing the abduction of students and staff remains a key priority of the Nigeria Police Force and a central objective of the Safer Schools Initiative. He stated that the Initiative can only succeed through sustained collaboration and partnership among stakeholders in the education sector, security agencies, communities, and government institutions.
He therefore called for “the strengthening of the Safer Schools Initiative through closer collaboration with critical partners in the education sector and other relevant stakeholders, improved information sharing, enhanced security measures within and around schools, and the development of effective early warning and response mechanisms capable of preventing attacks on educational institutions.”
Participants highlighted various security challenges confronting schools and communities, including concerns relating to unauthorized access to school premises, youth-related crimes, vandalism, and other emerging threats. They also made valuable recommendations on measures required to enhance school security and support the implementation of the Safer Schools Initiative across the State.
The Commissioner of Police assured stakeholders that the Command would continue to work closely with educational authorities and other relevant partners to strengthen the Safer Schools Initiative and implement proactive policing strategies aimed at preventing attacks on schools, protecting students and staff, and ensuring a safe and secure learning environment throughout Kogi State.
“The Kogi State Police Command remains committed to partnering with all relevant stakeholders to safeguard educational institutions and promote a secure atmosphere conducive to quality education and national development.” She said.