Police deploy school protection squad in Ogun, urge vigilance

The Ogun State Police Command has deployed officers attached to its School Protection Squad across the state as schools resume academic activities.

The deployment is aimed at strengthening police visibility around schools and protecting pupils, teachers and other school personnel, the command said.

The command also said the squad would secure school infrastructure, gather actionable intelligence and ensure swift response to emerging security threats.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babasuyi.

The statement read, “In line with the strategic policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, on proactive, preventive and community-oriented policing, the Ogun State Police Command has deployed its School Protection Squad across the State as schools resume academic activities, with some institutions scheduled for subsequent resumption.

“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.”

The command also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, recently received an executive delegation of the Police Community Relations Committee Safe School Club, led by the state chairman, Abdullahi Babatunde Lawal, at the command headquarters in Abeokuta.

According to the statement, the meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among the police, school authorities, parents, students and community stakeholders to ensure 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 commissioner charged the School Protection Squad to remain vigilant, maintain close engagement with school communities and respond promptly to credible security information.

“The CP reiterated that the Command remains committed to anticipating threats, preventing incidents and providing swift protective intervention, while urging school proprietors, administrators, teachers, parents, students and the public to remain vigilant,” the statement said.

The command urged members of the public to adopt the principle, “SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.”

It advised residents not to ignore suspicious persons, vehicles, movements or activities around schools, noting that early information could prevent an incident.

The statement added, “For any school-related emergency, contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield Emergency Line: 08000009111.”

The command assured residents that the School Protection Squad, in partnership with the PCRC and other stakeholders, remained prepared to protect schools, prevent threats and respond swiftly to emergencies across the state.