By Chikaodi Chukwuleta

In a bid to enhance and promote safety and security in schools, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, today, October 30, unveiled the ‘School Protection Squad’ in Anambra State.

Performing the ceremony,  Egbetokun said the platform, under the purview of the Inspector General of Police is geared towards prioritising and improving security in and around the schools and learning institutions in Anambra and across the country.

 Represented by the Assistant Inspector of Police, Zone 13, AIG Godwin Aghaulor, during the unveiling at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka,  the IG said that the  ‘School Protection Squad’ is aimed at focussing on strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.

Regarding the theme, ‘Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education’, the IG explained that the platform is one of the many strategic forums on school protection that has been initiated and still ongoing in many parts of the country.

“Our presence here today is a testament to our collective will and effort to support the Nigeria Police Force in promoting the Federal Government’s agenda of prioritising school protection in Nigeria. I use this opportunity to commend the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his unwavering support and commitment to the course of school protection in Anambra State.

“In our efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment, we recognise 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 role 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.”

He lauded the National Coordinator, Schools Protection Squad, CP Lanre Ogunlowo and other stakeholders for driving the vision and mission with dedication to enhancing security and promoting education in communities through collective efforts.

“In the same vein, the Nigeria Police Force has also embraced the project by establishing the Schools Protection Squad in all the states of the federation and the FCT, as well as the training of State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers 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 added.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, thanked the IGP for the initiative, saying it would address a critical issue that affects everybody.

“This operation is timely, especially in the regard of the security concerns in the state. It will further increase the confidence the people have for the Police and other security agencies on in protection of lives and properties support services and other necessary assistant,” Itam said.

The Governor of Anambra State,  Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, commended the IGP for making Anambra the first state to launch the initiative.

“This is to underscore what the government at all levels is doing in education. We are happy that the FG through the police, has woken up to the clarion call of what we are doing in the schools.

“We need to protect our schools. We need to protect the children in schools and we need to protect the teachers, but we cannot do this without our community partnership and ownership.

“This is a clarion call for everybody to come together so that we protect the massive development in the state. We want the Anambra people to take ownership of this great scheme,” he added.

The event featured a panel session on the issue of security and safety and the role of Police in ensuring safety in schools.