The Ogun State Police Command has deployed its School Protection Squad across the state as schools resume academic activities, with a mandate to strengthen security around educational institutions.
The command said the deployment would increase police presence around schools and help protect pupils, teachers, school workers and facilities from potential security threats.
The squad will also be responsible for intelligence gathering and ensuring quick intervention when security concerns arise.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Oluseyi Babasuyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
The command said the deployment was part of the Inspector-General of Police’s strategy of promoting proactive and community-based policing.
According to the statement, the squad is expected to “strengthen police visibility around schools, protect pupils, teachers and school personnel, secure school infrastructure, gather actionable intelligence and ensure swift response to emerging security threats.”
The command also disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, recently met with representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee Safe School Club at the command headquarters in Abeokuta.
The delegation was led by the state chairman of the group, Abdullahi Babatunde Lawal.
The meeting centred on improving cooperation between the police, school management, parents, students and members of surrounding communities.
The command said the partnership would support the early detection, reporting and prevention of security threats within and around schools.
Ojajuni reportedly welcomed the initiative and assured stakeholders of the command’s continued support for the programme.
He directed officers assigned to the School Protection Squad to remain alert, maintain regular contact with school communities and act promptly on credible security information.
The commissioner said the police would continue to focus on preventing threats before they escalate while ensuring rapid intervention whenever incidents occur.
The command consequently urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, students and residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
It encouraged members of the public to follow the principle, “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.”
Residents were advised to report suspicious individuals, vehicles or activities around schools, as timely information could help security agencies prevent attacks.
For school-related emergencies, the police provided the Gateway Shield Emergency Line, 08000009111, for members of the public to contact the command.
The Ogun Police Command said it would continue working with the PCRC and other stakeholders to ensure schools across the state remain safe and adequately protected.
