Police launch Safe School Squad in Bauchi amid security concerns

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a School Protection Squad in Bauchi State, aimed at strengthening the security of educational institutions across the region. The initiative, unveiled on Thursday, is part of the broader Safe School Programme introduced under the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Schools Protection Squad at the Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle, announced the launch during a stakeholders’ forum on school security in Bauchi. He said the initiative aligns with the federal government’s concern over growing insecurity in schools and its impact on education.

“In recent years, Nigeria has faced security challenges such as kidnappings, homicide-related cases, and destruction of school infrastructure, sometimes leading to school closures and negatively affecting the host communities. These incidents can be linked to the increasing number of out-of-school children,” Shogunle said.

He referenced a 2021 report that noted more than 600 teachers were killed and over 19,000 displaced between 2012 and 2016, highlighting the gravity of the problem. He also recalled that the Nigerian government signed the Safe School Declaration on December 31, 2019, affirming its responsibility to create secure learning environments.

Shogunle added that Thursday’s event, themed Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities, aligns with the national plan on financing safe schools. The plan, he said, was developed to reduce the number of out-of-school children and improve Nigeria’s human capital development indicators.

He explained that the policy provides a national framework and operational guidelines for protecting schools, students, teachers, and support staff from violence, with measurable goals and community involvement.

Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, also addressed participants at the forum. He said the country has seen increased cases of banditry, kidnappings, and violence targeting schools in recent times, which has disrupted learning and generated widespread fear.

“It was in response to this development that the Nigerian Police collaborated with the federal and state governments and various stakeholders to develop the Safe School Programme aimed at creating a safe school environment that allows children to pursue their education free from violence or fear,” he said.

Aliyu explained that the School Protection Squad will function within a clearly defined policy framework and will coordinate with communities and schools to identify threats, respond to emergencies, and support affected areas.

He said the squad members would be specially trained to manage threats and emergencies, adding, “This is not just a police initiative. It is a collaborative effort that requires the active support of parents, teachers, students, and the broader community.”

The police leadership urged all stakeholders to engage with the initiative, emphasising that the safety of schools is a shared responsibility that goes beyond law enforcement.

Join Our Channels