The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called for the collaboration of stakeholders in the education and security sectors to bolster efforts in safeguarding schools across the country from potential attacks.
Egbetokun made the appeal on Monday in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, during the launch of the IGP’s Safe Schools Initiative and the formal inauguration of the Osun State Police Command’s Schools Protection Squad.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Fred Emuobo, the IGP noted that ensuring the safety of educational institutions is a shared responsibility. He directed all Commissioners of Police within the zone to convene stakeholder meetings aimed at achieving holistic school protection.
He stated that the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad in Osun represents a crucial step towards an inclusive security framework for schools, which includes training programmes for teachers, school administrators, and security operatives to detect and manage security threats effectively.
“As sanctuaries of knowledge and nurturing grounds for future leaders, our schools are pivotal to national development. Their security is paramount, and it is our collective responsibility to shield them from potential threats,” the IGP stated.
He further urged stakeholders to embrace modern technology and intelligence-led policing in ensuring a proactive security presence around schools, adding that collaboration between law enforcement, educators, parents, and local communities is essential to the success of the initiative.
Speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
“The present administration in Osun State is highly impressed by this proactive initiative. No investment is too much when it comes to the future of our children,” Adeleke said.
He reiterated the state government’s full commitment to partnering with the Nigeria Police to safeguard schools and maintain Osun’s record of zero attacks on educational institutions. “This is an achievement we must all work hard to sustain,” he added.
Earlier in his address, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, acknowledged that although Osun remains largely peaceful, some security challenges persist in the education sector and require urgent intervention.
He assured that the seminar would focus on addressing these concerns through discussions on best practices, critical security issues, and innovative strategies for protecting students and schools.
“I am confident that the insights and experiences shared here today will empower us to develop effective strategies for safeguarding our educational institutions,” Gotan concluded.
