Police Boost Security Around Schools in Katsina

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the Katsina State Police Command to improve security at schools in the state. This move aims to protect students, teachers, and school facilities from threats.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) for Finance and Administration, Sulaiman Abdul, shared this directive on Wednesday during a two-day operational visit to Katsina State.

Mr Abdul stated that the police command is to increase surveillance, enhance patrols around schools, gather intelligence, and ensure a visible security presence at educational institutions.

He said these steps are meant to prevent security issues, boost emergency responses, and keep schools safe for learning. "The command has been directed to strengthen surveillance around schools, increase patrols, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain a visible security presence in and around educational institutions," the DIG explained.

Concerns About School Safety

This order comes as worries continue about the safety of schools in northern Nigeria. Armed groups have attacked schools and kidnapped students in recent years.

While Katsina has not seen major school kidnappings lately, many communities in the state still face bandit attacks and kidnappings, especially in rural areas.

Katsina was previously affected by a series of school attacks that got national and international attention, especially after the abduction of many students from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, in December 2020.

Since then, security agencies have adopted the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative and other measures to protect schools and ensure students can access education without interruption.

Checking School Security

During his visit, Mr Abdul checked security facilities at the Police Children School and the Government Girls Technical and Commercial College in Charanchi Local Government Area.

He evaluated perimeter fencing, entry and exit points, security posts, and the personnel assigned to protect these schools.

The DIG also met separately with school administrators and management teams to gather information on security concerns and challenges facing the schools.

They discussed how to improve safety, strengthen cooperation between educational authorities and security agencies, and better prepare for possible threats.

He urged school officials to enforce stricter access control, stay alert, and report any suspicious activities around school premises promptly.

Mr Abdul assured that the Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to protecting schools and ensuring students and teachers can work without fear. "The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to safeguarding educational institutions and ensuring that students and teachers can learn and work in a safe environment," he stated.

Recently, the Katsina State Police Command has stepped up community policing initiatives and security patrols as part of broader efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.