The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has inaugurated the School Protection Squad to strengthen security around schools and ensuring better learning environment in Jigawa State.
Speaking at the event held in Dutse capital, the IGP who was represented by AIG Ahmed Ammani of Zone 1 Kano, highlighted the security threats facing schools across the country which have led to the killing of hundreds of teachers, abduction and murder of students, destruction of schools, and disruption of learning.
Egbetokun explained that the Police introduced this initiative to secure school environments against security threats, thereby enhancing access to education for every child in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.
In his speech, the National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, noted that due to the growing security challenges around schools, over 600 teachers have been reported killed, and more than 2.9 million children are currently out of school across the country.
Abayomi emphasised that the IGP’s initiative is built on three key strategic mechanisms including building infrastructure for rapid response to emergencies in schools, strengthening community participation and collaboration in intelligence gathering and working with sister security agencies to manage threats and create a safer learning environment.
“Schools are sanctuaries for building the leaders of tomorrow, shaping the country’s future prosperity, and ensuring sustainable social and economic development. Therefore, we are committed to doing everything possible to secure school environments across the nation,” he stated.
He also announced the training of over 160 personnel selected to form the School Protection Squad in the State.
In his remarks, the Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving access to education and enhancing learning outcomes in the state.
The governor highlighted measures already taken by his administration to include massive renovation and construction of classrooms, provision of learning materials and furniture, recruitment of teachers, and other necessary interventions.
“Although Jigawa is a peaceful state, the launch of this initiative is timely. It will go a long way in enhancing security in our schools and providing adequate measures against any potential threats to our school environments,” he said.
The governor also revealed that the state government has so far spent over N350 million to provided a fully-equipped secretariat, two Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to support the implementation of the initiative.
He further pledged continued support to achieve the objectives of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
