The safety of Nigerian schools and educational institutions is of key concern to the Nigeria police Force, which will continue to use all available human and material resources to mitigate the heightened danger students, staff and educational facilities/Institutions are exposed to in the country in recent times.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun on Wednesday officially launched the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manual at Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja to achieve safe schools and in order to have a more focused and robust response to the existing challenge of constant attacks on educational institutions, culminating in abduction of students in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Acting IGP Egbetokun noted that the Standard Operating Procedure manual on Safe School initiative, launched today, marks a significant stride towards achieving a silver and more secure educational environment for children. The SOP is a comprehensive road map that underscores our commitment to safeguarding the nation's future by creating a secure, safe and conducive learning environment for students.
"In the years past, the schools used to be safest place for our children but since the Country recorded the first incidence of school kidnap in April 2014., criminal elements such as kidnapping, Criminal activities such as kidnapping for ransom, banditry, terrorism and cultism have continued to threaten the security of our educational institutions as well as the safety of our school children.
"These challenges demand innovative, adaptive and sustainable approaches to ensure the efficacy of our efforts at ensuring the safety of all and sundry, particularly our young ones
"The new approach in line with our vision to evolve a police force, that is well positioned to respond appropriately and adequately to the dynamics of crimes and criminality in our contemporary society. Our commitment to safeguarding our schools and ensuring the unhindered pursuit of knowledge has led to the creation of this crucial manual. This manual outlines the meticulous procedures that will guide our law enforcement agencies. Educational institutions and communities towards a shared goal of safe and secure learning space, "he said.
IGP Egbetokun noted that the Nigerian police force, along with other stakeholders, has played an instrumental role in charting this road map to achieve the objectives of the National Plan on Safe Schools in Nigeria. One of the cornerstones of our commitment is the establishment of the school protection squad, specialised unit comprises highly trained officers who would be diployed to every states across the country.
He said, "these officers are not just protect us, they are mentors, role models and advocates for the safety of our students. Our dedication to addressing thesemultifaceted concerns underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and secure learning environment for all our students.
IGP Egbetokun added that school administrators play pivotal role in setting the tone for security within the institutions. Their commitment to implementing safety protocols and fostering a culture of vigilance is instrumental.
Likewise, our educators, the teachers, are not only imparting knowledge, but also acting as first responders in times of crisis. Their training and preparedness are critical in ensuring a swift and effective response. Let us all acknowledge the resilience of our students, who are the heart of this initiative.
Their understanding of safety protocols and their ability to maintain calm under pressure are essential components of our efforts. By empowering our students with knowledge, we empower them to be active participants in their own safety.
He thanked the Federal Ministry of Finance. Budget and national planning on other partners,Finance. Budget and national planning on other partners, such as the Ministry of Education and Special Duties. For their commendable roles in initiating as carefully coordinating the Financing Safe Schools National Plan.
He said this visionary initiative has provided the essential framework that underpined the Undertaking we are launching today. He stated clearly that the launch of the standard operating procedure manner for the national plan on the Safe School initiative is a testament to our dedication, collaboration and unwavering commitment to secure learning environment for our children.
Dignitaries at the launching were Senate President, Senator Godswin Akpabio ably represented by Senator Ahmed Malla Maduri, Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, Governor Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Chief of Kaduna State government, Alhaji Sani Kila (Rtd), Comptroller General of Immigration, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court represented by Pius Iorzua, the National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa ably represented by Air Vice Marshal Anthony Ndache, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja ably represented by Brig. General GO Esho, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla ably represented by Commodore SM Ahmed, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chairman Police Service Commission IGP Solomon Arase (Rtd) and many Others.