The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police Force has launched a School Protection Squad aimed at preventing attacks on both private and public schools across the six area councils of Abuja. This initiative comes as schools in the nation’s capital prepare for resumption, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and teachers.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, announced the launch during the opening of the Police Strategic Stakeholders Forum on Security of Schools in FCT. The event, held at the Nigeria Police Resource Centre in Abuja, also included training sessions for members of the newly formed School Protection Squad. The forum’s theme, “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding schools.
Commissioner Igweh reassured residents of the FCT of the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of students and educational staff. “Security and safety of students and teachers have gained significant attention from government at all levels, following incessant attacks on schools which have created panic in the minds of teachers, students, and parents. These incidents have, in some cases, led to the closure of schools,” he stated.
The Commissioner emphasized that the FCT Command has thoroughly mapped out all schools within the Territory to ensure their protection. He highlighted that, to date, there have been no recorded attacks on schools in the FCT, and the Command remains dedicated to maintaining this record, particularly in rural areas where schools are often more vulnerable.
The establishment of the School Protection Squad aligns with the broader efforts by the Nigerian government to reduce the number of out-of-school children and to create a safe learning environment. In 2022, the government formally launched the Safe School Protection (SPS) initiative as part of its strategy to secure educational facilities across the country.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, DIG Ede Ayuba, who also spoke at the event, reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to preventing attacks on schools nationwide. He noted that the SPS initiative, established by Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has been implemented in all states of the Federation, including the FCT, to complement the Federal Government’s efforts in achieving a safer school environment.
“Today’s program is a follow-up to similar events held in Kaduna and Niger states on May 8th-9th and 14th-15th, 2024, respectively, which witnessed massive participation and were equally successful,” DIG Ayuba said. “I have no doubt that we will achieve even greater participation of relevant stakeholders here in the FCT, being the federal capital of Nigeria.”
The forum is designed to foster effective partnerships between the Nigeria Police, sister security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders in the ongoing efforts to prevent school attacks. DIG Ayuba emphasized that the collaboration with host communities is particularly crucial, as their involvement is key to safeguarding schools and ensuring a secure and conducive learning environment for children.
The School Protection Squad’s training is expected to equip its members with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond swiftly and effectively to potential threats. The initiative also seeks to build trust between schools and local communities, ensuring that everyone understands their role in protecting educational institutions.
