Niger: PCRC launches security App to strengthen school safety

The Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, has introduced a digital security application designed to help schools report security threats and enable relevant authorities to locate emergencies as part of efforts to strengthen school safety in Niger State.

The PCRC BOOSTAR application was unveiled on Tuesday in Minna alongside the flag-off of the National Safe Schools Initiative, which also provides for the establishment of Safe Schools Clubs in schools.

Speaking at the event, the PCRC’s National Safe Schools Technical Director, Dr Benson Olatunji, said the application incorporates geolocation features to help identify the precise locations of reported emergencies, as well as a feedback mechanism to improve communication with users.

Olatunji, who described the PCRC as a vital link between the police and the public, said implementation would proceed in phases, beginning with the flag-off, followed by the collection of school data across states and training for relevant stakeholders.

He called for public cooperation and support for PCRC members to ensure the successful implementation of the programme.

The PCRC Zonal Chairman, Otunba Bolaji Adigun, who delivered the flag-off address on behalf of the National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, said the initiative was designed to strengthen community participation in security and encourage cooperation among schools, residents and law enforcement agencies.

He urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the Safe Schools Clubs and the deployment of the digital security platform.

The Commissioner of Police in Niger State, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and State Coordinator of the Schools Protection Squad, ACP Muhammad Muazu, commended the PCRC for its sustained partnership with the police.

He described the initiative as a welcome development that could strengthen security coordination, improve service delivery and promote the safety and well-being of students.

The Niger State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Idris Lafene, called for the involvement of Parent-Teacher Associations and traditional institutions in school safety efforts.

The event attracted police officers, PCRC executives, school administrators, students, labour representatives and other stakeholders.

The PCRC said the initiative would promote early threat reporting, improved communication, community participation and timely intervention by relevant security agencies.