The Federal Government has launched a School Protection Squad (SPS) in Gombe State as part of a broader initiative to safeguard educational institutions across the country from rising security threats.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools, Halima Iliya, stressed the importance of the initiative.
She revealed that schools identified as vulnerable have been mapped out and that the government is working closely with states to bolster their security.
“We have collected data on all vulnerable communities and made comprehensive plans for their protection. We’ve written to all state governments, urging them to take ownership by providing information about at-risk areas. Each geopolitical zone has its peculiarities, and we’re prepared to address them,” Iliya said.
She noted that the government is collaborating with intelligence agencies to conduct threat analyses and improve proactive responses to potential attacks.
On the newly launched squad, Iliya explained that it is a component of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre and falls under the mandate of the Nigeria Police Force as outlined in the national plan.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who is also the National Coordinator of the SPS at the Force Headquarters, disclosed that 60 specially trained police officers will be deployed under the squad in Gombe State.
“This doesn’t mean other officers in the state won’t respond to threats. All units are on alert, and we’ve trained these officers to detect early warning signs so they can act before incidents occur,” Shogunle stated.
He described the creation of the SPS as a significant shift in the government’s strategy to protect the education sector from increasing incidents of banditry, insurgency, and other criminal threats.
According to him, the squad will prioritise surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response around schools.
Shogunle added that the initiative also aims to strengthen resilience and involve host communities more directly in education security.
“The implementation is being rolled out in phases, and Gombe is among the pilot states,” he said.
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, highlighted the importance of securing educational spaces, describing education as the nation’s backbone.
“Ensuring the safety of our schools is not just a priority but a shared responsibility,” Yahaya said.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the project.
He assured stakeholders that the governor is fully in support of the SPS and is ready to back its implementation across Gombe State.
