Facts emanating from the recently launched Safe School Protection Squad by the Ogun State Police Command at Eleweran and its accompanying two-day seminar, November 26 to 27, 2024, helped to underscore the preparedness of the Nigeria Police Force to meet the security needs of the nation in this digital age.
The Safe School initiative and the attendant seminar, with the theme, "Strengthening Security Resilience and Integration of Host Communities in the Protection of Education" were parts of a broader strategy by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at enhancing security in schools nationwide to create safer learning environments.
Recognizing the importance of education, the program was designed to inform stakeholders about the safety of schools and the initiatives taken by the Nigeria Police Force to ensure that educational facilities in Ogun State are well-equipped with effective safety measures.
These include rapid response deployments, vehicle patrols, technological solutions, and regular training on student security for principals and other school partners.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Inspector General of Police, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun, and representatives of the Safer Protection Squad.
Various security agencies, government officials, traditional leaders, private sector partners and other relevant stakeholders were also present at the august occasion.
During the seminar, experts addressed critical issues such as security awareness, early warning systems, emerging challenges in school safety, and the roles of various stakeholders.
The Governor’s representative at the forum and the state's Commissioner for Education, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu emphasized the timely and relevant nature of this initiative, noting that it aligned with ongoing efforts to digitize education in Ogun State.
Professor Arigbabu stressed the need for all-round broad collaboration and this include parents, to educate children on personal safety and psychological readiness to report any feelings of insecurity.
At the two-day seminar, school children were also tutored to be security conscious and help in policing their schools and environment by: "Saying something when they see something."
As part of a forward-thinking approach, the Inspector General introduced the VGS – VIGISCOPE, a Quick Emergency Reporting and Response System designed for schools across the nation.
This app functions as a responsive alert system linked to a central base in Abuja, capable of identifying emergencies and coordinating responses. It aids in technical intelligence for crime resolution and facilitates police access in difficult areas while ensuring effective information sharing and threat detection.
In case of danger, students or principals can quickly connect to the central base via a smartphone to seek immediate help or report incidents from the scene of distress.
The app is internet-enabled, allowing schools in Ogun State to utilize it wherever online access is available.
Users can send a "rescue me" message, which activates the VGS central headquarters to coordinate a rapid response.
The Inspector General is committed to enhancing this initiative, having provided a new Hilux vehicle for its effective operation, which was officially handed over to the Ogun State Police Command by Professor Arigbabu.
The Safe School Protection Squad, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police reporting to CP Lanre Ogunlowo in Abuja, will undergo two weeks of training in ILA Orogun, Osun State, following this awareness phase.
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