By our Reporter, Awka
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has announced that the sad days when school children are being kidnapped by gunmen are now over following the launch of the School Protection Squad SPS.
The Inspector General of Police who disclosed this in Awka Anambra state while launching the SPS said that the success story would need the contributions stakeholders both in the security section as well as the host communities and the respective Ministries of Education across the thirty six states of the Federation.
Egbetokun stated this at police force strategic stakeholders forum for security of schools in Anambra State and training of the schools protection squad (SPS) held in Awka, under the theme, strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.
According to him, the police have kick-started the process by establishing SPS and training of State coordinators and
Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) nationwide, and required collaborations of the host communities, including teachers, community leaders, parents, institutions and others.
The IG, represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 13 Ukpo, Godwin Aghaulor, explained that it was parts of efforts to promote a safe and conducive learning environment.
“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. And by coming together and building strong partnerships, we
are proactively addressing the challenges and security threats faced by
educational institutions in our country,” he stated.
Gov Charles Soludo who was represented by the Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim noted that Anambra is fast winning the fight against insecurity adding that government attaches so much importance to education adding that the investments made by the state have jump started great development in the education sector
“We have employed over 5,000 teachers into our school system and we have made education free from basics to Senior Secondary Schools level “
“The Anambra state government would continue to support the security operatives and this School Protection Squad is a right step towards ensuring quality and uninterrupted teaching and learning in our schools ” he said
Also speaking, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr Nnaghe Obono Itam, described the operation as timely, adding that it would further increase the confidence people have for the police and other security agencies in protection of lives and properties.
“To address this challenge, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach such as conducting regular security assessments and develop emergency response plans, enhance access control and surveillance systems, collaborate with law enforcement agencies, and train educators and staff on security protocols.
“The benefit of this initiative cannot be overemphasised. It will enhance security for schools and students, improve community relations and cooperation, increase resilience to conflicts and crises, and better protection of education infrastructure,” he stated.
On his part, the National Coordinator, Schools Protection Squad, Lanre Ogunlowo, a Commissioner of Police (CP), explained that the operation was aimed at improving the security of lives and properties across schools with a view to improve teaching and learning processes.
Earlier, the Head, Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Chidozie Nwafor, disclosed that coming together of stakeholders would help to enhance security while adopting comprehensive security approach, communication, responses and others.
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