The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has inaugurated the Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State.
The launch, which took place on April 22, was carried out on the Egbetokun behalf by AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, psc, of Zone 5 Benin City.
The event featured a two-day stakeholders’ forum aimed at strengthening the security architecture around schools and integrating host communities into the protection framework.
With the theme “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the forum attracted stakeholders from the education, ICT, and security sectors, who delivered insightful lectures that engaged and impressed attendees.
Present at the event were key dignitaries including the Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon.) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, mni, represented by HRM Obi of Obulunor, the 2nd Vice Chairman of the Council.
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Other notable guests included representatives from the Office of the National Security Adviser, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, psc, the National Coordinator of the Safe School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, as well as representatives of sister security agencies, school administrators, teachers, students, and various civil society groups.
In his message, IGP Egbetokun described the newly launched squad as the core of the Safe School Initiative, emphasizing its mandate to respond swiftly to threats and ensure a secure learning environment. He noted that officers in the squad are specially trained and equipped for this critical task.
Speaking at the event, CP Abayomi Shogunle highlighted the increasing security threats faced by schools in Nigeria, including kidnappings, attacks, and vandalism, which have led to the closure of many schools and a surge in out-of-school children.
He recalled Nigeria’s signing of the Safe School Declaration in December 2019, reaffirming the country’s commitment to safe learning spaces. He also emphasized that safeguarding education is fundamental to human capital development and national progress.
Delta State’s SSG, Dr. Emu, praised the Nigeria Police for spearheading the initiative, commending the IGP for his dedication to ensuring the safety of students and educational facilities across the state and beyond.
As part of the initiative, a national Safe School Command and Control Centre has been established at the Force Headquarters, complete with a 24-hour emergency contact number: 08077357777, available for school-related emergencies nationwide.
The Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, confirmed the success of the event and reiterated the command’s readiness to support the initiative across all levels.
