By Aaior K. Comfort

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, announced on Tuesday that the Nigeria Police Force has commenced specialized training for State Coordinators of the Safe School initiative and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the country. This initiative is part of broader efforts to bolster the security of educational institutions nationwide.

Represented by Deputy Inspector General Ede Epkeji at a stakeholders’ forum on school security in Abuja, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of the Safe Schools project, highlighting the establishment of Schools Protection Squads in all states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These measures are designed to create a secure learning environment and protect schools from potential threats.

Egbetokun underscored the critical role of local stakeholders, including community leaders, religious organizations, and youth groups, in safeguarding schools. He called for continued collaboration to prevent attacks on educational institutions and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

In a related address, FCT Commissioner of Police Bennett Igweh assured parents that the police are committed to ensuring the safety of schools in the capital. He pledged to enhance the security infrastructure in the FCT, targeting criminal hideouts to prevent any threats to school environments.

Additionally, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, represented by FCT Director of State Security Services Adamu Buba, reaffirmed the FCT’s support for the police and other security agencies. Buba praised the Inspector General’s efforts and promised coordinated action to ensure that schools in the FCT remain secure for effective learning.