The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed the Katsina State Police Command to enhance security measures around schools across the state. This directive aims to protect students, teachers, and educational facilities from potential security threats.
The order was communicated on Wednesday by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Finance and Administration, Sulaiman Abdul, during a two-day operational visit to Katsina State. Mr Abdul stated that the command has been instructed to intensify surveillance, increase patrols around schools, strengthen intelligence gathering, and maintain a visible security presence at educational institutions throughout the state.
According to him, these measures are designed to prevent security breaches, improve emergency response times, and ensure that schools remain safe environments for learning. He emphasized the importance of proactive security measures to deter criminal activities.
School Safety Concerns
The directive comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety of schools in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have attacked educational institutions and abducted students in recent years. Although Katsina has not experienced a major school abduction in recent months, many communities in the state continue to face bandit attacks, kidnappings, and other security challenges, particularly in rural areas.
The state was among those affected by a wave of school attacks that drew national and international attention following the abduction of hundreds of 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 prevent attacks on educational facilities and ensure uninterrupted access to education.
Assessment of School Security
As part of the visit, Mr Abdul inspected security infrastructure at the Police Children School and the Government Girls Technical and Commercial College in Charanchi Local Government Area. He assessed perimeter fencing, entry and exit points, security posts, and the deployment of personnel assigned to protect the institutions.
The DIG also held separate meetings with school administrators and management teams to gather first-hand information on security concerns and operational challenges facing the schools. Discussions focused on ways to improve school safety, strengthen collaboration between educational authorities and security agencies, and enhance preparedness against potential threats.
He urged school authorities to enforce stricter access-control measures, remain vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious movements or activities within and around school premises. Mr Abdul reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to protecting schools and ensuring that students and teachers can carry out their activities 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 said.
The Katsina State Police Command has, in recent months, intensified community policing initiatives and security patrols as part of broader efforts to address insecurity in the state.
