Safe schools: PCRC mobilises 10,000 volunteers, deploys CCTV

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured parents that their children are safe in schools nationwide. He made the assurance during the launch of the Police Community Relations Committee’s Safe School Initiative in Abuja. The committee has mobilised 10,000 volunteers and started deploying CCTV cameras to schools across the country.

The IGP, accompanied by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, stated that the police have taken responsibility for enhancing security around schools nationwide. They have also established internal warning and response mechanisms to enable schools to alert security authorities swiftly to emerging threats. Disu emphasized that the Safe School Programme is crucial in light of the rising targeting of soft targets like schools and places of worship by criminal and terrorist groups.

Mogaji Olaniyan, the PCRC National Chairman, elaborated on the initiative as a tangible demonstration of community policing under Disu's leadership. He highlighted that the IGP had instructed the committee to move beyond supporting police formations and actively engage in securing communities. Olaniyan further disclosed that the PCRC would deploy 10,000 volunteers nationwide, collaborating with the police, community leaders, vigilante groups, and other stakeholders.

The initiative will prioritize schools in rural and remote areas, which are more vulnerable to attacks by criminal elements. The committee has already begun the installation of CCTV surveillance cameras, with the national body contributing three cameras to support the programme in the Federal Capital Territory, and another three from the FCT PCRC.

Olaniyan called for support from individuals and organizations in providing additional CCTV cameras and other resources to enhance surveillance around schools. The programme will also focus on protecting teachers and addressing social vices among young people by engaging pupils and students. They aim to establish stronger links between schools and former students who have become professionals, such as lawyers and judges, to serve as mentors and role models for pupils.