The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has pledged to enhance security in schools through the use of modern technology and intelligence-led policing.
Speaking at the Safe School Initiative forum on March 10, 2025, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of creating a safe learning environment for students.
“We are working tirelessly in collaboration with other sister security agencies to achieve these desired goals,” said the IG, who was represented by AIG Zone One, Ahmed Amani. “We will also make use of modern technology and intelligence-led policing to ensure proactive law enforcement presence around our schools.”
The forum, titled “Strengthening security resilience and integration of host communities in the protection of education,” aimed to identify threats and promote collaboration between the police, educational institutions, and local communities.
Egbetokun highlighted the need for a culture of safety, stressing the significance of training programs for educators, administrators, and security personnel to handle security threats effectively.
Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to school safety, with security personnel and apparatus already deployed.
Meanwhile, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, pointed to rising security challenges, such as kidnappings and infrastructure damage, as contributing factors to school closures and the increase in out-of-school children.
The Nigerian government, recognizing its responsibility, signed the Safe School Declaration on December 31, 2019, as part of efforts to provide a more secure learning environment.