Insecurity: IGP calls for collaboration between Police, other security agencies in Niger

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has called for collaboration and cooperation between the Police, other security agencies and relevant stakeholders in Niger State to provide adequate security for students, teachers and schools across the state.

The IGP made the call at the Strategic Stakeholders Forum on Security of Schools in Niger State and Training of School Protection Squad organized by the State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force in Minna

Egbetokun represented by AIG Zone 7 Abuja, Ogundele Joshua Ayodele explained that as the lead law enforcement agency in crime control and public safety in the country, the Police place top priority on the protection of students and teachers during attacks on schools and other higher institutions of learning.

He further stated that ” the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools (NPSSVFS) 2021, highlights the core duties and responsibilities of the NPF to include the protection of students and teachers during attacks on schools and other higher institutions of learning.

“To establish and assign a Rapid Response Unit that will co-locate with Schools and Local Education Officials during emergencies and to develop Comprehensive Operational Guidelines and Procedures for the protection of students, teachers and educational infrastructure among others ”

Egbetokun also thanked the Niger State Government and the 25 LG Councils for the support given to the State Police Command to enable it effectively discharge its duties.

In his remarks, Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago urged the stakeholders at the forum to collectively deliberate on strategies to strengthen the security, resilience, and integration of schools by laying emphasis especially on rural communities ravaged by banditry and other forms of insecurities across the state.

Bago who spoke through the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Abubakar Usman expressed a firm belief that a secure environment is paramount for students to thrive, ensuring increased enrolment levels and bolstering economic growth and prosperity for the people of the state.

According to him, ” let us not overlook the deep influence that a safe and secure learning environment has on the general advancement of our children. Certainly, every child
deserves the chance to pursue their education without the of fear adoption or uncertainty that is associated with an unsafe society”

He further added that his administration had acquired 4 gun-truck bulletproof armour personnel
carriers worth billions of naira in its bid to combat insecurity in the state.

Insecurity: IGP calls for collaboration between Police, other security agencies in Niger