Niger State Government has said that it will continue to support Security Agencies in the fight against kidnapping, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the State.
This was disclosed by the Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago while declaring open the Strategic Stakeholders’ Forum on Security of Schools in the State and Training of School Protection Squad (SPS) organized by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with the Niger State Government held at the Posh Event Centre, Minna.
The Governor who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Abubakar Usman further stated that, “the present administration has been working closely with security agencies and other critical stakeholders for the maintenance of peace and stability”.
According to the Governor, “Such close working relationship would continue to be sustained to ensure a secured school environment that will enable all law-abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of insecurity in the society”.
Farmer Bago revealed that the Government was embarking on the renovation and remodeling of more than 70 schools across the state with a view to ensuring the security and safety of educational institutions.
“He further explained that the state Government had acquired a four gun-truck bulletproof armour personnel carrier aimed at complimenting the effort of the Federal Government in curbing insecurity in the State, adding that the gesture would no doubt ensure increased enrolment levels and bolters economic growth and prosperity for the people”.
The Governor called on the people of the State to be very vigilant, security conscious and report all suspicious characters, movements, or objects to security agents, adding that security is everybody’s business and that all hands must be on deck in complementing the Government’s efforts toward safeguarding lives and property of citizens.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun represented by Ogundele Ayodeji, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 7, disclosed that the event was part of Federal Government and Nigeria Police efforts towards the implementation of National policies and framework on safe school declaration and initiative.
Mr. Egbetokun stated that to achieve the objectives of security and safety in schools, specific roles had been designed for key stakeholders including the Federal, State, and Local Governments and Security Agencies amongst others.
He added the Nigeria Police as the lead agency in crime and safety control in the country had been saddled with the responsibility of protection of students and teachers in schools and higher institutions.
The Inspector General of Police said that the training was to enhance the capacity of personnel of SPS in Niger state, reiterating that the Nigeria Police was committed to ensuring security and safety of schools.
In her remarks, Mrs. Halima Iliya, National Coordinator of the Financing Safe Schools Initiative, said the event was the implementation of the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools from 2023 to 2026.
She said the plan was aimed at protecting At-Risk Schools, learners, teachers, and non-teaching staff from attacks so as to reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
The National Coordinator disclosed that the plan has an investment of N144.8 billion from 2023 to 2026, adding that the Federal Government released N15 billion in 2023 to the implementing agencies.
Highlights of the occasion were goodwill messages presented by the Niger state Commissioners for Basic Education and Homeland Security and representatives of Traditional, Religious Leaders and Commander, 31 Artillery Brigade Minna, and cultural performances.
