The Ogun State Police Command has commenced the deployment of its School Protection Squad across the state as schools resume academic activities.
The initiative is aimed at reinforcing security around schools and protecting pupils, teachers, school workers and educational facilities from potential threats.
The deployment follows the policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises proactive, preventive and community-based policing.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the squad would also be responsible for gathering actionable intelligence around schools and ensuring prompt intervention whenever security threats emerge.
According to her, schools that have already resumed have been covered by the deployment, while institutions scheduled to reopen at later dates will also be included in the security arrangement.
As part of efforts to deepen collaboration with stakeholders, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, recently hosted an executive delegation of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Safe School Club at the Command Headquarters in Abeokuta.
The delegation was led by the State Chairman of the PCRC Safe School Club, Comrade Abdullahi Babatunde Lawal.
Babaseyi said discussions during the meeting centred on strengthening collaboration between the police, school authorities, parents, students and communities to facilitate early detection, reporting and prevention of security threats within and around schools.
Ojajuni commended the Safe School Club initiative and reiterated the Command’s readiness to partner with the PCRC and other stakeholders to create a safer learning environment across Ogun State.
The Commissioner directed personnel of the School Protection Squad to remain vigilant, maintain regular engagement with school communities and act swiftly on credible intelligence.
He said the Command would continue to focus on identifying potential threats before they escalate, preventing security incidents and providing timely protective intervention when required.
Ojajuni also called on school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, students and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around educational institutions without delay.
The Command urged residents to embrace the principle, “See Something, Say Something,” warning that suspicious individuals, vehicles, movements or activities around schools should not be ignored.
According to the police, timely information could play a crucial role in preventing security incidents and protecting members of the school community.
For school-related emergencies, the Command provided the Gateway Shield Emergency Line: 08000009111.
The police assured residents that the School Protection Squad, in partnership with the PCRC and other relevant stakeholders, would remain on alert to safeguard schools, identify potential threats and respond promptly to emergencies across the state.
Insecurity: Police deploy school protection squad as schools resume in Ogun