Egbetokun: Police will prioritise safety of schools

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, says the police will continue to accord priority to the safety and security of schools nationwide.

NAN reports that Egbetokun said this at the inauguration of a training on safe schools for state coordinators and divisional police officers (DPOs) in Abuja.

The IGP stated that the event was designed to equip state coordinators and DPOs with knowledge and strategies on the safe schools initiative.

Egbetokun emphasised the importance of quality service and cooperation between law enforcement and stakeholders, to ensure a safer learning environment, while maximising resources.

“We are committed to implementing measures and utilising our resources to diminish the threats facing students, staff and educational facilities across the country,” he said.

“The current police administration has established the special intervention squad to swiftly address and counteract criminal activities nationwide.

“This squad will operate in support of the school protection squad to ensure that the country’s educational facilities remain free from danger and unwelcomed incidents.”

He said the police would continue to work harmoniously with relevant security agencies and stakeholders, including host communities, to keep schools safe.

Halima Iliya, the national coordinator for financing safe schools secretariat, highlighted the ongoing crisis in Nigeria’s education system — particularly as it pertains to school kidnappings — which has led to a significant out-of-school population.

She called for a sustainable funding framework to tackle these issues.