In Kano State, the Nigeria Police Force has introduced the Schools Protection Squad (SPS).
At the police command headquarters in Kano, Commissioner of Police Mohammed Gumel inaugurated the 60-man squad on Thursday.
With the primary aim of safeguarding schools, educational institutions, students, teachers, and pupils from the threats posed by kidnappers and armed bandits, the SPS has been put in place.
Gumel highlighted that the SPS is part of an initiative by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Ebegtokun, to ensure a secure educational environment and provide protection for students, teachers, and school facilities.
He stated, “The SPS consists of 60 well-trained police personnel equipped with the necessary tools for their duties.
Starting from Thursday, May 2, 2024, they will be deployed to conduct vigorous patrols around primary and secondary schools, as well as vulnerable tertiary institutions across the various senatorial districts within the state.”
The police commissioner disclosed that the 60 officers underwent specialized training in school policing and security tactics in Abuja. They have also been furnished with operational vehicles and sophisticated tracking devices to prevent potential attacks or incursions by terrorists.
Although acknowledging that the current 60-member squad may not be adequate to protect all schools in the 44 local government areas and the urban city of Kano, Gumel assured that additional squads will be formed as per the directive of the police inspector general to ensure sufficient personnel for comprehensive school protection.