The Lagos State Police Command has taken significant steps to enhance the security of schools in response to rising concerns about kidnapping threats. A recent stakeholder dialogue at the command headquarters in Surulere, led by ACP Oladunni Ayoola, the Area Commander in charge of Area C, emphasized the need for school proprietors to implement advanced safety measures.
During the meeting with school managers, ACP Ayoola expressed apprehension about the prevailing inadequate security measures in numerous schools across the state. He underscored the importance of leveraging technology to secure educational institutions effectively. The Area Commander urged schools to adopt tracking systems for school buses and enhance overall security infrastructure to better protect students and staff.
In addition to technological advancements, ACP Ayoola strongly cautioned against organizing events or transporting students outside the school jurisdiction without proper police escort. He emphasized that this directive stems from the Force Headquarters, mandating the Lagos State Police Command to ensure the safety and security of all schools within the region.
Ayoola stated, “It is for us to lecture them to let them know that you cannot organize any event or take your children out of the school jurisdiction without having a police escort with them because we have been directed from the Force Headquarters to ensure that all our schools are properly safe and secure. This means if you are a school manager, you must work with us to provide a safe school environment.”
This initiative aligns with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who initiated a comprehensive program on school security on August 8, 2023. The state Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, subsequently conveyed these directives to Area Commanders, leading to the security summit with school managers. The summit addressed the urgent need for safe and secure learning environments in the face of evolving security challenges.
ACP Ayoola reassured school owners of the police’s unwavering commitment to their safety, highlighting that all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) would share their contact numbers with them for better communication and coordination.
