By Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has launched the Police Schools Protection Squad (SPS) Force for the Security of Schools in Bauchi State.
The launching was done on Thursday during a Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools in Bauchi State and Training of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bauchi State Police Commissioner, Sani-Omolori Aliyu stated that, “In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming increase in kidnappings, attacks, and acts of violence targeting schools, students, and staff. These abhorrent incidents have not only disrupted the educational process but have also instilled fear and anxiety among parents, students, and the nation at large.”
According to him,”In response to this pressing concern, the Nigeria Police Force, collaborating with the Federal Government, State Governments, and various stakeholders, has developed the “Safe School Program.” This initiative aims to create a secure learning environment that allows our children to pursue their education free from the specter of violence or fear.”
Sani-Omolori Aliyu stressed that,”The “Safe School Program” is a comprehensive initiative that involves multiple stakeholders and agencies working in unison to prevent attacks,
respond effectively in emergencies, and support communities and schools affected by violence.”
“To effectively implement this initiative, we have constructed a robust framework that encompasses the components including risk assessment and mitigation by onducting comprehensive assessments of schools to identify vulnerabilities and formulate appropriate mitigation strategies and intelligence gathering and sharing: Collaborating closely with intelligence agencies and stakeholders to collect and disseminate information regarding potential threats,” he added.
He also stated that there is Security infrastructure in supporting the development of security measures in schools, which include the installation of CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and secure entry points, training and capacity building: Providing training and developing the capacity of school administrators, teachers, and security personnel to enhance their preparedness for responding to emergencies.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Schools Protection Squad (SPS) Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle stated that, “The security and safety of our schools and other learning environment continue to attract the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
According to him, “In recent years,
Nigeria had 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 incidences can be linked to the increasing numbers of out-of-school children.”
Abayomi Shogunle added that,”The National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in a 2021 report indicated that between 2012 and 2016, more than 600 teachers were killed in attacks, while more than 19,000 were displaced.”
“The Nigerian government, recognizing its responsibility to create a safer and more secured learning environment formally signed the safe school declaration documenton on 31st December, 2019 to signal the country’s commitment to its implementation alongside 118 member countries,”he added.
The SPS Police Coordinator added that, “To further demonstrate the resolve to address the serious challenges posed by conflicts and insecurity to safety of schools, the Federal Ministry of Finance, in consultation with local and global stakeholders, conveyed a high-level forum on 20th April 2021 to address the menace of attacks on education on a holistic and sustainable basis by creating innovative sources of funding through federal, state and local governments.”
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