By Okey Maduforo
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has declared an end to the troubling days of schoolchildren being kidnapped by gunmen, following the launch of the School Protection Squad (SPS). Speaking in Awka, Anambra State, where he unveiled the SPS, Egbetokun emphasized that achieving this goal will require collaboration from stakeholders across the security sector, host communities, and Ministries of Education in all 36 states.
Egbetokun made this statement at the Police Force’s Strategic Stakeholders Forum for School Security in Anambra State, which included training sessions for the SPS. The forum was themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”
According to Egbetokun, the Police have already taken key steps by establishing the SPS and training State Coordinators and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide. He highlighted the critical need for collaboration with host communities, including teachers, community leaders, parents, and institutions, to foster a safer learning environment.
Representing the IGP, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 13, Ukpo, Godwin Aghaulor, stated, “We recognize 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. By building strong partnerships, we proactively address the challenges and security threats faced by educational institutions in our country.”
Governor Charles Soludo, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, noted that Anambra State is making strides in the fight against insecurity and emphasized the government’s strong commitment to education. He remarked on the state’s investments, saying, “We have employed over 5,000 teachers in our school system and made education free from basic to senior secondary school levels. The Anambra State government will continue to support security operatives, and this School Protection Squad is a step in the right direction to ensure uninterrupted learning in our schools.”
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nnaghe Obono Itam, applauded the SPS initiative as timely and said it would bolster public confidence in the police and other security agencies’ ability to protect lives and property. “To address this challenge, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach—regular security assessments, emergency response planning, enhanced access control, surveillance systems, and training for educators and staff on security protocols,” he added. He emphasized that this initiative will improve school security, strengthen community relations, increase resilience to crises, and better protect educational infrastructure.
National Coordinator of the Schools Protection Squad, Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunlowo, explained that the SPS aims to enhance school security nationwide, which in turn supports the teaching and learning processes.
Professor Chidozie Nwafor, Head of the Department of Psychology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, added that the forum’s collective approach would help strengthen school security through comprehensive measures, communication, and effective response strategies.
