IGP Egbetokun Pledges to Boost School Security, Launches SPS at Stakeholders Forum
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged to deploy necessary resources and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure the safety of schools and students across Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of educational authorities and community leaders working closely with the Police and other security agencies to fortify schools against potential threats, adding that school insecurity not only violates the right to education but also poses a direct threat to global peace and human capital development.
Egbetokun made these remarks in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday during the launch of the Inspector-General of Police Safe Schools Initiative and the inauguration of the Lagos State Police Command’s “Schools Protection Squad” (SPS). The event also served as the IGP’s Stakeholders’ Forum on School Security in Lagos State.
Represented by AIG Adegoke Fayoade of Zone 2 Headquarters Onikan, Lagos, Egbetokun described Safe Schools as an initiative aimed at integrating a culture of safety for students, teachers, staff, and host communities within the security architecture of educational institutions. This initiative stems from the Inspector-General’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of students and educational establishments.
He stated, “Education is recognised as a cornerstone of individual and societal development, empowering individuals and facilitating economic progress. However, this noble pursuit is challenged by insecurity. The safety of educational institutions is increasingly compromised, with schools being targeted in violent conflicts, gang violence, ideological extremism, and criminal activities.”
Egbetokun has directed the three Commissioners of Police within the Zone to engage with various stakeholders to guarantee the safety of schools.
He added, “According to the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA), between 2020 and 2022, there were over 5,000 attacks on schools, students, and educators, affecting more than 22,000 individuals across 28 countries. These incidents reflect a worrying global trend where learning environments are weaponised and transformed into theatres of fear.”
From Boko Haram’s abductions in Nigeria to school shootings in the United States and bombings in Afghanistan, students are increasingly caught in the crossfire of violence. The resulting psychological scars, disrupted education, and community displacements have long-term effects, undermining national development and challenging international commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Egbetokun noted that other global actors, such as Israel and the United States, are implementing proactive models that combine law enforcement, innovation, and community engagement to enhance school safety.
As part of this initiative, training programmes will be established for educators, administrators, and security personnel, enabling them to recognise and respond to security threats. The use of modern technology and intelligence-led policing will ensure a proactive law enforcement presence around schools. Perimeter fencing for schools, particularly those in isolated areas or near water bodies, as well as the installation of CCTV cameras and surveillance drones, will significantly improve security.
The two-day Stakeholders Strategic Forum on School Security in Lagos State aims to foster interactive and inclusive discussions to build effective partnerships for community resilience in protecting schools.
Egbetokun urged schools, parents, and communities to collaborate with security agencies to champion the cause of security and safety for all children. “We must invest our efforts, resources, and commitment into fostering a culture of safety in our schools.”
