The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has launched the Safe School Initiative in Bauchi State to safeguard schools and pupils from potential attacks.
Speaking at the launch of Safe Schools Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools, and the inauguration of Bauchi State Police Command’s School Protection Squad, the IGP said security enhancements such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems and other safety measures have been installed in schools across the state.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector of Police, Zone 12 Headquarters, Bauchi, AIG Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, the IGP said that the importance of schools to the development of the nation cannot be overemphasised, pointing out that schools are not only spaces of knowledge, but a nurturing ground for future leaders of the country.
“Our gathering here today at this epoch event is a clear reminder of the responsibility that rests on our shoulders to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for our children.
“Protection of lives and properties is a core mandate of the Nigeria Police and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun is working tirelessly in collaboration and active partnership with stakeholders.
“He has equally directed all Commissioners of Police In the States to also engage their various stakeholders to ensure that, the safety of schools is guaranteed in line with the overall National Plan of financing safe schools Initiative across the federation.
“It is by working that we can achieve a safer, more secure and conducive environment for our children.This program is a significant stride towards all inclusive approaches to safe school and learning environments.
“It is therefore imperative that our educational authorities and community leaders work hand in glove with the police and other security agencies to ensure that our schools are fortified against any potential threat,” the IGP said.
Speaking earlier, the State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, explained that the initiative also includes training programs aimed at building the capacity of school administrators, teachers and security personnel to effectively respond to emergencies.
Aliyu reiterated the importance of community involvement, noting that local communities are being engaged to raise awareness about school safety and to encourage active participation in the program.
He revealed that 90 specially trained officers, known as the Safe School Squad, have been deployed to ensure the security of schools.
According to him, the personnel will operate under a detailed policy framework outlining their responsibilities, operational procedures and collaborative efforts with schools, communities, and other stakeholders to identify threats, respond swiftly to incidents, and support affected areas.
To enhance the squad’s effectiveness, he added that the police have provided necessary resources including vehicles, communication equipment and other operational tools.
“The Safe School Initiative is not just a police-led program; it’s a shared responsibility. We call on parents, teachers, students, and the broader community to partner with us in making our schools safe spaces for learning,” Aliyu said.
In her remarks, the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools, Hajiya Halima Iliya said that strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the protection of education is one of the objectives of the National plan on financing safe schools.
She called on states that are yet to key into the Safe Schools Program to do so to achieve measurable outcomes which will improve Nigeria’s rating in the Human Capital Index in the long run.
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