The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, represented by the AIG, Zone 5, Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, PSC, on 22 April 2025, launched the Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State and organised a two-day stakeholders’ forum on school security in the state.
The forum also included training sessions for members of the School Protection Squad, themed Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.
During the two-day event, which concluded on 24 April 2025, experts from the education sector, ICT, and security industry delivered impactful lectures that engaged and impressed stakeholders.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including the Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon.) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu.
Also present were the Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, MNI, the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, represented by the Second Vice Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM the Obi of Obulunor.
Other attendees included a representative of the National Security Adviser, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the National Coordinator, School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, representatives of service commanders from sister security agencies, school principals, teachers, primary and secondary school students, members of vigilante groups, the Nigerian Hunters’ Association, Anti-Cult units, Man O’ War, civil society groups, and members of the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police described the squad as the “heart of the Safe School Initiative”, stating that the team comprises specially trained and equipped officers ready to protect educational institutions and respond swiftly to any threats or emergencies.
The Coordinator, CP Shogunle, PhD, in his remarks, noted that Nigeria has, in recent years, faced significant security challenges, including kidnapping, murder, and other crimes—some of which have led to the destruction of school infrastructure and the closure of schools, thereby contributing to a rise in the number of out-of-school children. He added that the Nigerian government, in December 2019, formally signed the Safe School Declaration, signalling its commitment to ensuring safer school environments.
He concluded by emphasising that the right to education is central to social and economic development and that investment in education is ultimately an investment in human capital.
The Secretary to the State Government, who represented the Governor, commended the Police for initiating the stakeholders’ forum and expressed satisfaction with the Inspector-General’s dedication to securing schools.
The Safe School Protection Command and Control Centre is domiciled at Force Headquarters and operates a 24-hour emergency hotline (0807 735 7777), which citizens can call in the event of a school-related emergency anywhere in the country.
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