The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive Safe School Initiative aimed at establishing security operations within educational institutions across the country to protect students and academic structures amid growing security challenges.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu in charge of Zone 9 Umuahia, led a stakeholders' meeting in Owerri, Imo State capital, bringing together teachers, security experts, civil society organizations, and government officials to discuss strategies for creating safe learning environments.

"This summit is part of the Nigeria Police Force's Safe School Initiative and underscores our commitment to addressing security challenges like cultism, kidnapping, and violence that threaten students' safety and educational progress," AIG Uzuegbu stated during the meeting.

The event was officially opened by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu, who emphasized the urgent need for secured school environments and expressed confidence in the summit's potential to produce concrete actions.

State Police Commissioner, CP Danjuma, reaffirmed the command's commitment to collaborating with other security agencies and community leaders to secure schools throughout Imo State.

CP Abayomi Shogunle, National Coordinator of the School Protection Squad (SPS) at Force Headquarters, provided an overview of the initiative, highlighting its objectives and strategic approach. He stressed the importance of building security resilience in schools and involving host communities in safeguarding educational institutions.

The summit featured key presentations including "Security Awareness: Early Warning and Response Systems" by Professor Daniel Nkwuocha of Imo State University and "The Role of Students in Building Secure Schools" by ACP Linus Nwaiwu.

According to DSP Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, the event reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to ensuring that schools remain safe environments for education through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders.

The initiative comes at a critical time when educational institutions across Nigeria have faced increased security threats, including abductions and attacks, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to protect learning environments.