Insecurity: Police Seek Stakeholders Collaboration to Safeguard Schools in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Nigerian Police Force has restated its commitment to addressing challenges and security threats faced by educational institutions in the country.

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun stated this in Awka, Anambra State at a Stakeholders forum on security of schools in Anambra and training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS), themed, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”

Egbetokun, represented by Assisted Inspector General of Police, Zone 13 headquarters, Dunukofia Ukpo, AIG Godwin Aghaulor described safety and security of educational institutions as paramount, stressing the need for collaboration of various stakeholders to protect and safeguard both students and educators.

He said, “This important gathering offers promising steps and measures geared towards prioritizing, and improving security in and around our schools and learning institutions in Anambra State.

“This is an improvement on the ‘Schools Protection Squad (SPS)’, with focus on “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education”.

“Our presence here today is a testament to our collective will and effort to support the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force in promoting the Federal government agenda of prioritizing school protection in Nigeria.

“This is one of the many strategic forums on school protection that has been initiated and ongoing in many parts of the country.”

While applauding Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his unwavering support and commitment to the course of school protection in the State, IG reaffirmed the Police commitment to work in synergy to ensure safety and well-being of students, educators, and community members.

“In our efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment, we recognize the vital importance of strengthening security resilience in our host communities.

“The safety and security of our educational institutions are paramount, and it is imperative that we work together to protect and safeguard our students and educators.

“Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant rofe in fostering a secure and harmonious coexistence.

“And by coming together and building strong partnerships, we are proactively addressing the challenges and security threats faced by educational institutions in our country. Which if not done, can have adverse effects on the economy of our dear nation.

“The good news is that the challenges we face are not insurmountable. I therefore commend the National Coordinator Schools Protection Squad (SPS), CP Lanre Ogunlowo for driving the Vision-Mission of the IGP with dedication.

“I also hail other stakeholders for their dedication and commitment to enhancing security and promoting education in our community through collective efforts.

“In the same vein, the Nigeria Police Force has also embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in all the States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide.

“As we embark on this important assignment together, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and community members. Together, we can make a difference and forge a brighter tomorrow for all,” he stated.

Declaring the ocassion open, Governor Chukwuma Soludo said the initiative was in line with his government’s efforts towards safeguarding educational institutions in the state.

He said, “We’re glad that this is the first state of lunch in the Southeast. This is to underscore what the government is doing as far as education is concerned. With the array of human resources marching it with available funds, it’s doable.

“The administration, on onset, had accessed the education system, and discovered dearth of teachers, leading to massive recruitment of over 8000 teachers and construction of public schools through the PPCP.

“Currently, there’s massive exodus of pupils from private schools to public schools, resulting to pressure on the public schools. But we’re certainly equal to the task.

“We’re happy that FG through the police has woken up to the clarion call of protecting what we’re doing to public schools. We assure you that we take the security of our people seriously.

“We need to protect the students, teachers and facilities; but we can’t do this without communities partnership and ownership of our facilities.

“Anambra is a good management of resources. Anambra was recently adjudged the 3rd in Nigeria after Rivers & Lagos. This is an indication of prudence and a confirmation that whatever handed over to the state is safe.”

Also speaking, Commissioner of Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh stressed the need to protect the educational institutions which she described as future of the society.

“This is one of the most important initiatives of the Federal government because the school is sacrosanct. If you want to destroy a society, you don’t need to use gun or bombs, you only attach the educational system.

“Since the education system represents the future of a people, the schools should be kept safe. The present realities of attacks on schools has made it necessary that schools should be protected and by extension the future of our children.

Chuma-Udeh who was adorned in Police attire, said the decision to appear in the regalia was to identify with the security personnel in view of the subject matter.

“In 2021, I acquired OND in police studies with a rank. I came on this attire to identify with the Police force. As the Commissioner of Education and member of the police family, we’re all stakeholders in protecting our schools as future generations,” she added.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam appreciated Inspector General of Police and his management team for considering Anambra State Command to be among the first, on the launch of the School protection Squad.

He described the operation as timely especially in the regard of the security concerns in the state, stressing that the initiative would further increase the confidence the people have for the Police and other security agencies in protection of lives and properties support services and other necessary assistance.

He said, “Today, I want to address a critical issue that affects us all: strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.

“Education is the backbone of any society, and its protection is paramount. However, schools and educational institutions face numerous security threats, disrupting the learning process and putting students and staff at risk.

“To address this challenge, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach of conducting regular security assessments and develop emergency response plans as well as enhancing access control and surveillance systems.

“Other approaches include collaboration with law enforcement agencies and training of educators and staff on security protocols.”

The CP further enumerated the benefit of the initiative to include enhanced security for schools and students, improved community relations and cooperation, increased resilience to conflicts and crises and better protection of education infrastructure.

“Together, we can create a secure and supportive learning environment,” he added.