In a bid to bolster security measures and safeguard lives and properties in schools nationwide, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).
The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the initiative aims to prioritize the safety of schools and students.
Additionally, the IGP is set to unveil a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook for the Safe Schools Program.
The official launch and training event for this handbook will take place on August 9, 2023, and will involve the participation of 250 individuals from diverse sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organizations, media, school administrators, unions, and other stakeholders.
The School Protection Squad will be a specialized unit within the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for devising policies and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and protection of students, teachers, and school infrastructure.
The squad will be equipped with cutting-edge resources and undergo advanced training to respond effectively to security challenges affecting educational institutions.
The SOP handbook will serve as a comprehensive guide outlining best practices and protocols for securing schools, conducting risk assessments, and coordinating emergency responses.
It will empower educational authorities, security agencies, and participants in the Safe Schools Program to implement effective measures to safeguard schools.
The Inspector-General of Police urges all relevant stakeholders to actively participate and support this initiative, emphasizing that it will contribute to building a robust education system that guarantees a secure and conducive learning environment for every child.
This move comes in response to the increasing incidents of attacks on schools, leading to the kidnapping of students and teachers, and aims to enhance the overall safety and well-being of the nation’s educational assets.
