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By Divine Ugwueze and Naomi Odunze
The Ogun State Police Command has deployed its School Protection Squad across the state as schools resume academic activities, with some institutions expected to reopen at later dates.
The command said the deployment was part of efforts to strengthen security around schools and was in line with the strategic policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, which emphasises proactive, preventive and community-oriented policing.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the deployment was aimed at strengthening police visibility around schools, protecting pupils, teachers and other school personnel, securing school infrastructure, gathering actionable intelligence and ensuring swift response to emerging security threats.
According to him, the initiative would also enhance collaboration between the police and communities in preventing security breaches in and around schools.
Babaseyi said, “The deployment is aimed at strengthening police visibility around schools, protecting pupils, teachers and school personnel, securing school infrastructure, gathering actionable intelligence and ensuring swift response to emerging security threats.”
He disclosed that, in furtherance of the initiative, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, recently received an executive delegation of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Safe School Club, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Babatunde Lawal, at the command headquarters in Abeokuta.
He said the engagement focused on strengthening collaboration among the police, school authorities, parents, students and other community stakeholders for the early identification, reporting and prevention of security threats within and around schools.
The statement quoted Ojajuni as commending the initiative and reaffirming the command’s commitment to the partnership.
The CP charged members of the School Protection Squad to remain vigilant, maintain close engagement with school communities and respond promptly to credible security information.
Ojajuni reiterated that the command remained committed to anticipating threats, preventing incidents and providing swift protective intervention to ensure a safe learning environment across the state.
He urged school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, students and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around schools.
The command particularly urged members of the public to adopt the principle: “See Something, Say Something.”
It warned that suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or activities around schools should not be ignored, stressing that early reporting could prevent security incidents.
“For any school-related emergency, contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield emergency line,” the statement added.
The command assured residents that the School Protection Squad, in partnership with the PCRC and other stakeholders, remained fully prepared to protect schools, prevent threats and respond swiftly to emergencies across the state.
