By Atoyebi Nike
The Nigeria Police Force has launched a dedicated Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in Nasarawa State as part of efforts to curb insecurity and protect educational institutions across the state’s 13 local government areas.
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 4 Makurdi, Zachariah Achinyan, unveiled the initiative on Monday during a stakeholders’ forum on school safety. He stated that the programme aims to combat threats such as banditry and kidnapping, which have increasingly targeted schools across the country.
“The safety of our schools determines the future of our nation,” Egbetokun said. “Schools are sanctuaries of knowledge and must be protected at all costs. We are deploying modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure proactive surveillance and response around educational facilities.”
The IGP also directed police commissioners within the zone to actively collaborate with local stakeholders to implement security measures that would ensure safe learning environments.
Speaking at the technical session of the two-day forum in Lafia on Tuesday, Commissioner of Police and National Coordinator of the Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, explained that the initiative incorporates modern security strategies tailored to educational settings.
He emphasized the need for schools, parents, and communities to share timely information with security agencies. “This is a proactive initiative,” Shogunle said. “Our mandate is clear—respond swiftly and decisively to threats in and around schools across Nigeria.”
He added that the squad is trained to handle emergencies in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, and urged stakeholders to use the dedicated communication channels provided by the police to report security breaches.
Also speaking at the event, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in Nasarawa State, Sanusi Jida, noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He assured the public that logistics and manpower had been adequately provided to ensure effective patrols around schools.
“There will be increased visibility and presence around all schools in the state. This is part of our constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property,” Jida said.
In a lecture titled “Security Awareness on the Safety and Security of Schools/Stakeholders’ Responsibility in Crisis Situations,” Dr. Benjamin Tough of Benue State University described the initiative as a timely and strategic step. He said the establishment of the squad would enable early detection and prevention of potential threats, creating a safer environment for learning.
The Schools Protection Squad is expected to serve as a model for enhancing educational security across the country, according to the Police Force Headquarters.
