In a bid to enhance the safety of educational institutions across Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has launched the Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State. The initiative was flagged off on April 22, 2025, by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 5 Benin City, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, psc, who represented the IGP.
The launch was part of a two-day stakeholders’ forum themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.” The forum brought together key players from the educational sector, security agencies, ICT professionals, civil society groups, and local community leaders to deliberate on improving security around schools in the state.
During the forum, held in Asaba and concluded on April 24, 2025, resource persons delivered lectures on strategies to mitigate threats to school environments, highlighting collaboration, technology integration, and community involvement as key pillars.
Dignitaries at the event included the Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon.) Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; the Chairman of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), CFR, mni, represented by HRM Obi of Obulunor; and the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, psc.
Other attendees were representatives from the office of the National Security Adviser, various service commanders, principals, teachers, students, vigilante groups, Nigeria Hunters, Man O’ War, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
In his address, IGP Egbetokun described the squad as the “heart of the Safe School Initiative,” emphasizing that the specially trained officers are tasked with protecting learning environments and responding swiftly to threats. He reiterated the Nigerian Police Force’s commitment to the safety of children and educational institutions nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of the Safe School Protection Squad, CP Abayomi Shogunle, PhD, fsi, highlighted the impact of insecurity on Nigeria’s education sector. He recalled that the government’s signing of the Safe School Declaration in December 2019 reaffirmed its commitment to making schools safer. “The right to education is central to social and economic progress,” he said. “An investment in education is an investment in human capital development.”
The Delta State Government lauded the initiative. Dr. Kingsley Emu, on behalf of the governor, commended the police for their proactive approach and expressed satisfaction with the IGP’s determination to secure learning institutions.
The Safe School Protection Command and Control Centre is located at the Force Headquarters and operates a 24-hour emergency response line: 08077357777, available to the public for school-related emergencies across the country.