Nigeria Police, Stakeholders Host Forum on School Security in Lagos, Launch Training for Schools Protection Squad

Nigeria Police, Stakeholders Host Forum on School Security in Lagos, Launch Training for Schools Protection Squad

Lagos, Nigeria – June 30, 2025 —
In a decisive move to bolster the safety of educational institutions across Lagos State, the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with key stakeholders, hosted a high-level Stakeholders Forum on the Security of Schools on Monday at POWA Hall, Oduduwa Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Themed “Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education,” the forum brought together top government officials, security experts, school administrators, and civil society groups to deliberate on pragmatic strategies for safeguarding schools in the state.

The event featured the presence of the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who jointly emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts in preventing attacks on educational facilities and protecting schoolchildren.

A major highlight of the forum was the launch of the Training Programme for the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) — a special task force designed to respond swiftly to school-related threats and emergencies. The initiative aims to ensure that schools are not only secured by physical presence but are also embedded within the safety architecture of their local communities.

Speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education and security, noting that, “No child should go to school in fear. We must build a fortress around our education system, and that begins with strong community partnerships and proactive policing.”

IGP Egbetokun stressed the importance of public trust, intelligence sharing, and continuous training in countering evolving threats. “The protection of schools is a national security priority. With the SPS and stakeholder cooperation, we are creating a robust framework to keep our children and teachers safe,” he stated.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed on the need to foster synergy between local communities, traditional institutions, security agencies, and the education sector to sustain safe learning environments across the state.

The Lagos Stakeholders Forum marks a significant step toward institutionalizing school safety and ensuring that the right to education remains protected in Nigeria’s most populous state.