Police unveil school protection squad in Bauchi

 

The Nigeria Police Force has unveiled a school protection squad in Bauchi State, noting that the squad is part of the safe school initiatives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The squad was unveiled on Thursday by the Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad, Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle, at a stakeholders forum on the security of schools in the state.

According to Shogunle, the security and safety of schools and other learning environments continue to attract the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria, hence the need for the unveiling.

He explained that “In recent years, Nigeria has faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide-related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure, sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities. These incidents can be linked to the increasing number of out-of-school children.”

Shogunle described the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report to have indicating that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.

He noted that the Nigerian government recognised its responsibility to create a safer and more secure learning environment, which resulted in the formal signing of the Safe School Declaration document on December 31, 2019.

“Today’s event, Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities, aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools in Nigeria.

“The plan has a national investment response aimed at protecting schools, learners, teachers and non-teaching staff from attacks in all parts of Nigeria, and was designed to achieve measurable outcomes such as reducing the numbers of out-of-school children and improving Nigeria’s rating in the human capital index in the long run, “he insisted.

Shogunle said the policy also provides guidelines and a framework for ensuring safe and secure learning environments in schools nationwide.

Sani-Omolori Aliyu, stated that in recent times, the country has witnessed an alarming increase in the spate of kidnappings, banditry, attacks, and pockets of violence, targeting students and staff within schools.

He added that the unfortunate development has not only disrupted learning but has instilled fear among parents, students, and the nation at large.

He revealed, “It was in response to the development that the Nigerian Police collaborated with the federal and state governments and various stakeholders to develop the safe school programme aimed at creating a safe school environment that allows children to pursue their education, free from the spectre of violence or fear.

“The Safe School Program” is a comprehensive initiative that involves multiple stakeholders and agencies working in unison to prevent attacks, respond effectively in emergencies, and support communities and schools

affected by violence. The Safe School Squad will be guided by a comprehensive policy framework that delineates its mandate, functions, and operational protocols.”

Aliyu noted that the unit will work closely with educational institutions, communities, and other stakeholders to identify potential threats, respond promptly to emergencies, and provide support to affected schools and communities.

He emphasised that the creation of the “Safe School Squad” represents a significant advancement in the police’s commitment to ensuring school safety.

“This squad will be rigorously trained and dedicated to tirelessly preventing attacks and effectively addressing emergencies as they arise.

“The Safe School Program transcends a mere police initiative; it is a collaborative effort necessitating the engagement of all stakeholders. We earnestly encourage parents, educators, students, and the wider community to support this initiative and join hands with us in ensuring that our schools remain sanctuaries for learning, ”he said