The Nigeria Police Force has assured parents of improved security in schools as the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) launched its Safe School Initiative nationwide.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu gave the assurance on Thursday in Abuja, saying the police had taken responsibility for strengthening security around schools across the country.
Representing the IGP, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Anietie Iniedu said the police had developed early-warning and response mechanisms to enable schools to quickly report emerging threats.
The initiative will see the PCRC mobilize 10,000 volunteers and deploy CCTV cameras, particularly in rural and other vulnerable communities.
PCRC National Chairman Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan said the volunteers would work with the police, community leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders to protect schools and teachers.
He said the PCRC had already begun deploying CCTV cameras, with the national body and its FCT chapter providing three cameras each for schools in the Federal Capital Territory. The committee plans to expand surveillance coverage across the six area councils before extending the model nationwide.
Olaniyan also urged individuals and organizations to support the initiative with CCTV cameras and other resources, saying the technology would help security agencies detect suspicious movements around schools.
The launch comes days after the police issued a nationwide security alert over possible attacks on schools, places of worship, NYSC orientation camps, and other vulnerable locations.
The police said intelligence indicated increased mobilization of terrorist elements and reported the movement of armed elements from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State. Suspected ISWAP operatives and local collaborators were also reportedly conducting reconnaissance of potential targets.
The Force consequently ordered increased surveillance, patrols, access control, and rapid-response measures around vulnerable locations as schools resume for the 2026/2027 academic session.
The PCRC said the Safe School Programme would remain a priority and urged communities to promptly report suspicious activities to security authorities.
