IGP launches Safe School Protection Squad in Delta

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the AIG Zone 5 Benin city, AIG Salman-Dogo Garba, had on April 22, 2025, launched Safe School Protection Squad in Delta State.

The IGP also organised a two day stakeholder’s forum on the security of schools in Delta State, and training of the schools protection squad with the team strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.

Participants at IG’s 2-day forum in Asaba, Delta State

The Police Public Relations Officer of Delta State Command, Asaba, SP. Edafe  Bright, in a statement on Thursday, @DeltaPoliceNG highlighted that during the two-day stakeholders forum which ended on 24^th April 2025, resource persons from the educational sector, ICT, and security experts delivered power-packed lectures to the amusement of stakeholders.

The event was graced by top dignitaries, including the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, represented by the Secretary to State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu; Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo (Rtd.), the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, represented by the second vice Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Obi of Obulunor.

Also in attendance were the representatives of National Security Adviser, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda; the National coordinator School protection squad CP Abayomi Shogunle, representative of service commanders of the various sister security agencies, school principals, teachers, secondary and primary students, vigilantes, members of Nigeria hunters, Anti-cult, Man-o-war, members of civil society groups, members of National association of Nigeria students, among others.

School children at IG’s launch of Safe School Protection Squad in Delta

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, in his remarks, described the squad as the heart of the safe school initiative, noting that the team comprises officers specially trained and equipped to safeguard learning institutions and respond swiftly to distress or threats that may arise, respond swiftly to distress or threats that may arise.

The Coordinator CP Abayomi Shogunle, in his remarks stated that in recent years, Nigeria was faced with security challenges such as kidnapping, murder and other related crimes, which included destruction of school facilities that sometimes led to closure of schools and also increased numbers of out-of-school children.

He also noted that the Nigerian government in December 2019 formally signed the Safe School Declaration document, which signaled the country’s commitment to a safer school environment.

He concluded by saying that the right to education is central to social and economic progress, and investment in education is an investment in Human capital development.

The SSG, representing the Governor, commended the Police for the initiative to organize this stakeholders forum and stated that he was impressed by the determination of the Inspector General of Police to keep schools safe.

The safe school protection command and control centre is domiciled at force headquarters with a 24-hour call number (08077357777) where citizens can call in cases of school emergency in any part of the country.