As part of its nationwide initiative to safeguard educational institutions from security threats, the Federal Government has launched a specialized School Protection Squad (SPS) in Gombe State to reinforce security and ensure a safe learning environment for students and teachers.
The new unit comprises 60 police officers who have been selected for intensive training tailored to managing threats specific to schools, such as abductions, armed attacks, and vandalism. Once trained, these officers will be deployed across schools in Gombe to provide surveillance, respond rapidly to threats, and gather intelligence aimed at preventing potential attacks.
The creation of the SPS is a key component of the National Safe Schools Plan, which was developed to address the growing security challenges facing schools in Nigeria, particularly in areas prone to violence and unrest. The initiative is designed to reassure communities, students, and educators that the government is committed to protecting the right to education in a safe environment.
The launch event, held during a stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, was themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education.” It brought together security agencies, school authorities, and community leaders to discuss collaborative strategies for school safety.
Commissioner of Police Abayomi Shogunle, who serves as the National Coordinator of the SPS, described the programme as a shift in strategy for securing the education sector. He noted that the officers in the squad would not only provide physical security but also work to build trust with communities and prevent incidents before they escalate.
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s support for the initiative, noting that the state has already taken proactive steps, such as constructing schools close to police and military outposts and deploying local vigilantes to work alongside law enforcement in protecting educational facilities.
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The SPS in Gombe follows similar rollouts in states like Ekiti and the Federal Capital Territory, reflecting the Federal Government’s broader push under the Safe Schools Initiative to tackle insecurity in Nigeria’s learning environments.
With thousands of children across the country affected by school closures due to insecurity, authorities hope this programme will help restore confidence in the education system and ensure that schools remain places of safety and learning.
