The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said the safety and security of educational institutions are top priority to the police.

Mr Egbetokun said this at a Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum for Security Of Schools in Anambra and Training of Schools Protection Squad.

The workshop theme was “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.”

Mr Egbetokun, represented by AIG Godwin Aghaulor of Zone 13, Ukpo, said it was part of an effort to promote a conducive learning environment and highlight the importance of strong security resilience in communities.

He said the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) was focused on strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education.

The IGP said the Nigerian Police had established the SPS in all the states and the FCT and the training of state coordinators and divisional police Officers (DPOs) nationwide.

“As we embark on this important assignment together, let us reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand, shoulder to shoulder, to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, educators, and community members.

“By coming together and building strong partnerships, we are proactively addressing the challenges and security threats faced by educational institutions in our country.

“Collaboration and integration between host communities and security agencies play a significant role in fostering a secure and harmonious coexistence,” he said.

Mr Egbetokun commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support and commitment to the course of school protection in Anambra.

In his address, Nnaghe Itam, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, said the command was determined to provide safer communities and protect school staff, students and pupils.

Mr Itam commended Mr Soludo for his exploits in education, assuring that the police would help take back the state for a safe learning environment.

“We hope that as we join forces today and tomorrow, we will devise multifaceted approaches to tackle not just the school, not just the staff, students, but the entire people of Anambra,” he said.

Declaring the event open, Mr Soludo said education was a major thrust of his administration’s policy.

Mr Soludo, represented by his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said he hoped the workshop would yield positive outcomes for the education sector, assuring that Anambra would key into the SPS initiative.

(NAN)