NPF Launches School Protection Squad In Plateau To Tackle Insecurity

From Tongnaan Bawa, Jos

The Nigeria Police Force has launched Schools Protection Squad (SPS) in Plateau State as part of its efforts to tackle growing security challenges in educational institutions.

Speaking at a two-day stakeholders’ forum in Jos, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun revealed that the initiative aimed creating safer learning environments for students and teachers.

Represented by AIG Adebowale Williams, Commandant of the Police Staff College, he emphasized that the initiative was not just about protecting schools but fostering trust and resilience within communities.

“This is not merely about securing schools but about building a culture of safety and cooperation within communities. The safety of our children is not only a security measure but a moral and national priority.

” We must all come together—security agencies, state governments, and local communities—to create a safe and supportive environment for our students,” AIG Williams stated.

The forum, themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education brought together representatives from security agencies, government officials, and community leaders to discuss actionable solutions for safeguarding schools.

In his remarks, Plateau State Commissioner of Police Olugbemiga Emmanuel Adesina highlighted the collaborative efforts between the state government, local communities, and the Nigeria Police Force to enhance security resilience in schools across the region.

He commended Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang’s commitment to the Safe School agenda and noted the strategic importance of a unified approach in protecting educational institutions from security threats.

The Commissioner stressed the need for ongoing community engagement and regular coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the Schools Protection Squad initiative.

Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang expressed his strong commitment to the Safe School Initiative at the forum while declaring the forum open.

Represented by State Secretary to Government Arch. Samuel Jatau, he emphasized the critical role of collaboration among security agencies, government, and communities, particularly the traditional institutions under the leadership of the Gbong Gwom.

He also noted the proactive stance taken by the government to ensure the safety of schools and the effective leadership provided by the state.

Providing a comprehensive background on the Safe School Initiative, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, the National Coordinator for the Schools Protection Squad, outlined the Federal Government’s strategic response to the growing security threats facing educational institutions across Nigeria.

“The Federal Government’s Safe School Declaration and subsequent initiatives underscore a commitment to protect the right to education,” Ogunlowo stated, referencing the signing of the declaration in 2019 alongside 118 other countries.

Ogunlowo also emphasized that these efforts are part of a broader national plan launched in 2023. “Through active collaboration with local and global stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance and various state and local governments, we developed a comprehensive mid-term national plan on Financing Safe Schools for 2023 to 2026,” he explained.

In his Goodwill message, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, emphasized the critical role of community engagement in ensuring security.

He noted, “Security remains a critical issue that requires deliberate action and clear responsibility. Those implementing security measures must connect directly with the people, understand their roles, and act decisively.”

Buba also highlighted the importance of empowering traditional institutions, stating that they played a vital role historically in maintaining order and must continue to do so in modern security frameworks.

He called for reforms in the school curriculum to promote discipline and responsibility among students, underlining that fostering these qualities would lead to a safer, more cohesive society.

The Schools Protection Squad is part of the broader Safe School Initiative, a program designed to fortify education security nationwide. Similar forums have been held in states such as Ekiti and Anambra, emphasizing a coordinated, community-centered approach to tackling school insecurity.