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The Nigeria Police Force in its bid to actualise the mandate of the Federal government of Nigeria to protect all schools at all levels in the country, has launched a stakeholder’s forum for a seamless operation and efficiency in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Tuesday 3rd September, 2024. The significant event was held at the Police Resource centre, Jabi, Abuja, following similar fora, which were conducted in Kaduna and Niger States from May 8-9 and May 14-15, 2024, respectively.
In attendance was The Honourable Minister of the FCT, who was ably represented by the Director of Security Services, Alhaji Adamu Buba Gwari; the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations DIG Ede Ayuba Ekpeji, psc (+), who ably represented the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD NPM.; Mrs Halima Iliya, the National Coordinator, Safe School Initiative; The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh mni.; The District Heads of Idu and Bwari Districts in the FCT, among other dignitaries present at the event.
The event, themed “Strengthening Security Resilience: Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” is a crucial step towards enhancing school safety in light of the current security challenges faced by some of our educational institutions in the country. The DIG reiterated the IGP’s vision of high-standard dedication to advancing security and collaborative measures to protect educational institutions across the Federal Capital Territory and across the Nation.
The establishment of the School Protection Squad (SPS), is the initiative of the IGP, and it has been designed to create a more secure environment for learning across the FCT, and other states of the Federation. The initiative has been described as timely and vital for addressing the widespread insecurity affecting the country, most especially the kidnapping of students in various schools across the country.
Mrs Halima Liya, the National Coordinator of the Financing Safe Schools program in Nigeria, aligned with the significance of the initiative during her speech, laying emphasis on the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”. She stated that these policies and programs are to reflect the government’s commitment to protecting lives, properties, and the right to education.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police DIG Ede Ayuba Epkeji, psc (+) reiterated the aim and objectives of the initiative which was to enhance collaboration amongst the Nigeria Police Force, other security agencies, and relevant stakeholders. He also noted that the forum’s goal for the host communities was to better understand their roles in safeguarding schools and ensuring a secure learning environment for all students within their vicinities.
He further urged members of the public to sustain their undiluted commitment to securing schools for better learning conditions for students.
