The police command in Imo has deployed school protection squad (SPS) to help secure schools across the state.
The launch is in line with the initiative of Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), which is aimed at enhancing the safety of students, teachers and educational institution across the federation.
The squad is comprised of over one hundred personnel who have been deployed across vulnerable schools in the state’s troubled communities.
In a statement on Friday, Henry Okoye, the command’s spokesperson, said that the inauguration of the squad was held at the command headquarters in Owerri, the state’s capital.
“In furtherance of the safer school initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at enhancing the safety of students, teachers, and educational institutions across the federation, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has on 3/05/2024, launched the School Protection Squad (SPS),” the statement reads.
“The squad is comprised of over one hundred personnel who are ready for deployment across vulnerable schools in the state.
“The Command’s School Protection Squad (SPS) is made up of dedicated, patriotic, and well-trained officers who have been equipped with patrol vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof vests, smoke gunners, arms, and state-of-the-art alarm triggering device with a control system at the Force Headquarters to tighten-up security in schools.
“The squad will be deployed across the vulnerable, primary, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions in the State to enhance the safety and security of students, teachers, and educational facilities in the State.
Speaking further, Aboki Danjuma, commissioner of police in the state, asserted that he is confident that the Command’s SPS operatives will discharge their duties professionally in line with the standard operating procedures and urged the residents of the State to support them in discharging their lawful duties.
“I am confident that the Command’s SPS operatives will discharge their duties professionally in line with the Standard Operating Procedures and urged the residents of the State to support them in discharging their lawful duties. And I assure you that through collaborative efforts, a secure and conducive learning environment can be achieved for every child in Imo State,”
He assured that through collaborative efforts, a secure and conducive learning environment can be achieved for every child in the state.
The success of the SPS hinges not only on their operational capabilities but also on the provision of adequate resources and support. This includes ongoing training, equipment upgrades, logistical support, and personnel welfare initiatives. By investing in the development and well-being of the SPS, the police command demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a high standard of professionalism and effectiveness.
An important turning point in the initiatives to improve school security in Imo State is the establishment of the School Protection Squad (SPS). The police leadership makes it very evident that the safety and wellbeing of teachers and kids are of the utmost importance by sending out a specialized team tasked with protecting educational facilities. By means of professionalism, teamwork, and community involvement, the SPS hopes to establish a safe haven free from fear and disturbance where education can flourish. To guarantee that schools continue to be secure environments for learning and development, all parties involved must continue to invest, support, and collaborate in order to maintain this momentum.