IGP Launches Safe School Protection Squad in Delta, Vows Swift Response to Threats
ASABA/Nigeria: In a bold move to combat rising threats to educational institutions across the country, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has launched the Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State. The launch, which took place on April 22, was followed by a two-day stakeholders’ forum focused on fortifying school safety and enhancing community integration in educational protection efforts.
Represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, the IGP emphasized the critical need to insulate schools from insecurity. “The Safe School Protection Squad is the heartbeat of our nationwide safe school initiative,” the IGP stated. “Its mandate is clear — protect learning spaces, respond rapidly to threats, and guarantee that the right to education remains unshaken by criminality.”
The forum, which concluded on Thursday, April 24, 2025, gathered a broad spectrum of participants, including security experts, educators, traditional rulers, students, and civil society groups. The theme of the event, Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education, resonated through presentations and expert-led training sessions.
Delivering his keynote, the National Coordinator of the Safe School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, highlighted Nigeria’s security challenges, especially as they affect schools. “From kidnappings to vandalism and even closures of schools, the educational sector has faced relentless threats,” Shogunle said. “Our government’s signing of the Safe School Declaration in December 2019 affirms our commitment to reversing this trend. Education is not optional — it is the foundation of our national development.”
In a show of solidarity with the initiative, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, commended the Nigeria Police for prioritizing school safety. “We are impressed by this proactive initiative from the police. No investment in security is too much when it concerns the future of our children,” he said.
The forum also drew the presence of notable figures such as the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, mni, the Orodje of Okpe, represented by HRM Obi of Obulunor; the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; senior officers from sister security agencies; school administrators; students; vigilante groups; anti-cult units; and representatives from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The Nigeria Police also announced the establishment of a nationwide command and control center for the Safe School Squad, situated at Force Headquarters. A dedicated 24-hour emergency line (08077357777) has been activated for reporting any school-related security incident anywhere in the country.
The event’s technical sessions featured robust discussions and practical drills led by professionals from the education sector, information technology, and law enforcement. Participants were trained on school protection strategies, community collaboration, and rapid response coordination.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who issued the press statement, underscored the Delta State Command’s readiness to support the squad’s deployment across all educational zones in the state. “Our officers are trained, our communities are informed, and the synergy with sister agencies is stronger than ever. The safety of our children will not be compromised,” he affirmed.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, the launch of the Safe School Protection Squad offers a glimmer of hope — a decisive step towards shielding the nation’s future from the shadows of fear and disruption.
