The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has launched a community-based security structure to enhance collaboration with key stakeholders across the country for the effective implementation of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) programme.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Schools Protection Squad at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Abayomi Shogunle, made this known after a two-day stakeholders’ forum and training held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

The training brought together experts from academia, paramilitary organizations, and heads of security agencies to equip members of the Police Schools Protection Squad, local security guards, and stakeholders with practical strategies for responding swiftly to security threats in and around schools.

Speaking to journalists at the close of the exercise, CP Abayomi Shogunle described the training as a key engagement aimed at boosting operational efficiency and fostering greater community involvement in the protection of students in educational institutions.

He called on stakeholders, particularly community leaders, youth groups, and religious bodies, to take ownership of the initiative, which he said is designed to restore hope and provide a safe learning environment where children can pursue their education without fear.

Nasarawa State Coordinator of the Schools Protection Squad, Assistant Commissioner of Police Sanusi Jidda, affirmed that with the high level of training received, personnel are well-prepared and committed to delivering on the initiative’s objectives without compromise.

One of the resource persons, Dr. Benjamin Tough, emphasized the importance of sustained advocacy and community engagement, noting that active roles by both communities and students are critical to the successful implementation of the Schools Protection Squad.

Tough also described the initiative as a confidence-building effort that empowers Nigerian children to access education in a safe and secure environment.

Several experts at the forum highlighted the need for continuous training and retraining of personnel to keep pace with evolving security dynamics and modern approaches to school safety.

The event featured paper presentations and panel discussions involving key security stakeholders, including hunters’ groups, vigilantes, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), and the military.

Discussions centered on the theme: “Inter-Agency Collaboration for the Safety and Security of Schools in Nasarawa State.