Muhammad Garba
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), IGP Kayode A. Egbetokun, on Thursday launched the School Security Initiative in Jigawa State to strengthen collaborative efforts aimed at improving security around schools and ensuring better learning outcomes.
Speaking at the event held in Dutse capital, the IGP, who was represented by AIG Ahmed Ammani of Zone 2 Kano, highlighted the security threats facing schools across the country which have led to the killing of hundreds of teachers, the abduction and murder of students, the destruction of schools, and the disruption of learning.
He explained that the Police Force has introduced this initiative to secure school environments against any security threats, thereby enhancing access to education for every child in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 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.
CP Abayomi emphasized 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.
Working with sister security agencies to manage security 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 Jigawa State.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honor and Executive 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, including the 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 provided a fully equipped secretariat, two Hilux vehicles, and motorcycles to support the implementation of the initiative.
He pledged continued support to achieve the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Stakeholders who participated in the launch and provided their Inputs included the military, Immigration, Customs Service, DSS, Civil Defense Corps, Vigilante group, Hizba Corps, members of the State Executive Council, academicians, professionals student union, and labour union. Traditional leaders, Jama’atul Nasarul Islam, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Civil Society Organizations, and members of the public
