The Nigeria Police Force has inaugurated a School Protection Squad in Bauchi State as part of its nationwide Safe School Initiative aimed at safeguarding educational institutions against insecurity.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Schools Protection Squad at the Force Headquarters, Abayomi Shogunle, officially unveiled the unit during a stakeholders’ forum on Thursday.
He emphasized that the move is a proactive response to the increasing threats to schools in Nigeria, including kidnappings and violence that have disrupted education and endangered students and staff.
“In recent years, we’ve witnessed an alarming surge in attacks on schools, leading to the destruction of infrastructure and a rise in the number of out-of-school children,” Shogunle stated.
“This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to reversing that trend by creating secure and violence-free learning environments.”
He referenced the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, which reported that more than 600 teachers were killed and over 19,000 displaced between 2012 and 2016.
He also recalled that Nigeria formally signed the Safe School Declaration on December 31, 2019, a step that underscores its resolve to protect learners and teachers.
Shogunle added, “The Safe School Program aims to reduce the rate of out-of-school children and improve our national human capital index by creating secure schools across all regions.”
Also speaking at the event, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, noted that educational institutions have increasingly become targets for criminal activities, prompting urgent collaborative action.
“Insecurity, particularly kidnapping and banditry, has sown fear among students, parents, and educators. It is for this reason that the Nigeria Police, in conjunction with government and stakeholders, developed the Safe School Program,” Aliyu said.
He stressed that the newly launched squad will be guided by a clear policy framework and operational guidelines, ensuring swift response to threats and comprehensive support to affected communities.
“This isn’t just a police effort—it is a national commitment that requires the participation of educators, parents, students, and the broader society. Together, we can ensure our schools are truly safe havens for learning,” he concluded.
The Safe School Squad will work in close coordination with communities and educational authorities to identify threats, mitigate risks, and provide security that enables uninterrupted learning.