The Federal Government has launched a School Protection Squad in Gombe State as part of a national strategy to safeguard educational institutions from increasing security threats.
According to The PUNCH, speaking at a one-day stakeholder meeting themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the National Coordinator on Financing Safe Schools, Halima Iliya, emphasized the importance of proactive safety measures in schools.
“We have identified all vulnerable communities and developed a comprehensive plan to address their specific needs. Letters have been sent to state governments requesting cooperation in providing necessary data,” Iliya said.
“Our collaboration with intelligence agencies ensures we have timely threat analyses, and we are acting swiftly on this information.”
Iliya further stated that the formation of the School Protection Squad is a key initiative under the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre and aligns with the national safe schools plan, which mandates police involvement.
Adding to the discussion, Commissioner of Police and National SPS Coordinator, CP Abayomi Shogunle, revealed that 60 specially trained police officers will be deployed to the squad in Gombe.
“This does not exclude other officers from responding to emergencies. The selected team has received training in early warning systems and proactive threat management,” Shogunle said. “This initiative represents a strategic shift in how we protect our schools against banditry, insurgency, and other criminal threats.”
He explained that the squad will focus on surveillance, intelligence gathering, and rapid response operations in and around school premises. He also noted the importance of involving local communities in the overall security framework.
“The goal is to build a strong, integrated security structure that includes host communities in the protection of education,” Shogunle added.
Gombe State Police Commissioner, Bello Yahaya, underscored the need for safe learning environments, describing education as the foundation of national development.
“Providing security for our students and teachers is a duty we all must fulfill,” Yahaya said.
Representing Governor Muhammadu Yahaya at the event, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, reiterated the state’s commitment to the initiative.
“The governor is fully supportive and ready to back the implementation of the School Protection Squad in Gombe,” Bello affirmed.
