The acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced the establishment of the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) which is aimed at improving the safety and security of educational institutions nationwide. This was made known in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, adding that the IGP was also planning to launch an in-depth Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) booklet for the Safe Schools Programme.
According to the statement, “The official launch and training event is scheduled to take place on 9the of August, 2023, with the participation of 250 individuals drawn from various sectors, including the presidency, executive, judiciary, legislature, security agencies, civil society organizations, media, school administrators, unions and other stakeholders.”
He stated that the SPS is a specialized squad within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) tasked with formulating policies and collaborating with relevant stakeholders in order to protect the lives of staff and students etc.
The statement added, “The squad will be equipped with relevant assets and advanced training to effectively respond to security challenges facing educational institutions. The launch of the SOP handbook for the Safe Schools Programmes is an integral part of the initiative. This comprehensive handbook outlines the best practices and guidelines for securing schools, risk assessment, emergency response protocols and collaboration between various stakeholders.”
Adejobi further said the SOP handbook would serve as a reference material for participants involved in the Safe Schools Programme, adding that the IGP urges all relevant stakeholders to be active participants and support the initiative to ensure its successful implementation.
