Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced the establishment of a Schools Protection Squad (SPS), aimed at enhancing security and safety in educational institutions across Nigeria.
   
Police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, who made the disclosure, said the move was in furtherance of Egbetokun’s safety agenda. He said: “The IGP has also concluded plans to launch a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) handbook for the safe schools programme. The official launch and training event is scheduled to take place on August 9, 2023, with the participation of 250 individuals drawn from various sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organisations, media, school administrators, unions, and other stakeholders.
   
“The SPS is a specialised unit within the Nigeria Police Force, tasked with drawing up policies and engaging relevant stakeholders, to ensure safety and protection of students, teachers, and school infrastructure.”
    
Adejobi explained that the squad will be equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions. He described the launch of the SOP handbook as an integral part of the initiative.
   
According to him, “this comprehensive handbook outlines the best practices and guidelines for securing schools, risk assessment, emergency response protocols, and collaboration between various stakeholders. The SOP will serve as a crucial reference for educational authorities, security agencies, and other participants involved in the safe schools programme, empowering them to take coordinated and effective measures in ensuring safety and protection of schools.”
  
 The spokesman added: “The IGP, hereby, calls on all relevant stakeholders to actively participate and support the initiative for the safety and general well-being of educational assets in Nigeria. The IGP similarly believes that through collaborative efforts and a united approach, Nigeria can build a robust education system that guarantees a secure and suitable learning environment for every child.”