IGP unveils school protection squad to boost security in Nasarawa

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated a new security initiative—the Schools Protection Squad (SPS)—aimed at safeguarding educational institutions across Nigeria, with a special focus on Nasarawa State.

The community-based security structure was unveiled during a two-day stakeholders’ forum and training session held in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital. The event brought together experts from academia, paramilitary bodies, and heads of various security agencies to equip police personnel and local security guards with practical response strategies for threats against schools.

Speaking after the training, Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who oversees the SPS at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, described the initiative as a crucial step toward enhancing operational efficiency and fostering community ownership in the protection of students.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration with community leaders, youth groups, and religious bodies to ensure the success and sustainability of the programme, which aims to create a safe learning environment for children.

Nasarawa State’s SPS Coordinator, ACP Sanusi Jidda, expressed confidence in the readiness of trained personnel, affirming their commitment to implementing the initiative with integrity and professionalism.

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One of the resource persons, Dr. Benjamin Tough, underscored the need for continuous community engagement and advocacy. He noted that empowering students and communities to take active roles in school safety would boost public confidence and enable uninterrupted access to education.

The forum also featured presentations and panel discussions involving key security stakeholders, including local vigilantes, hunters’ associations, the military, and the Directorate of State Services (DSS). The theme of the event was “Inter-Agency Collaboration for the Safety and Security of Schools in Nasarawa State.”

Experts at the event stressed the importance of regular training to keep up with evolving security challenges and to maintain the effectiveness of the Schools Protection Squad.