The Head of the Department of Psychology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NAU, Awka, Anambra State, Professor Chidozie Nwafor has urged partnership between security agencies and host communities for the protection of schools against criminal incisions.
Nwafor, who made the call in a lecture entitled “Security Agencies and Community Partnership in Safeguarding Nigerian Schools” at the day two training workshop organised by the Anambra State Police Command for operatives of Schools Protection Squad (SPS), noted that quality education could not be impacted in an atmosphere of chaos, fear or absence of peace.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun for setting up the special security team for the protection of schools across the country, adding that the impact would extend to communities and society at large.
According to him, this also required mutual understanding and trust between security agencies and communities for effective school management and security of lives and property.
“If you come into a community where they don’t kill snakes, or, monkeys, and, you kill them, there will be chaos. So, try to study the community and endear yourselves to them. One security operative can secure a whole community where there is mutual understanding and trust between the security personnel and the people of the community,” he added.
Also speaking at the workshop, the Special Adviser (SPAD) Security to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Air Vice-Marshal Ben Chiobi, rtd, pledged the support of the state government to the IGP’s schools’ protection initiative, noting that it would further enable them to earn the confidence of the society.
On his part, the SPS National Co-ordinator, Lanre Ogunlowo, a Commissioner of Police, explained that the initiative was launched to address challenges posed by conflict and insecurity to safe schools, in consultation with local and global stakeholders for holistic and sustainable security.
Earlier, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, a Superintendent of Police, said the command would work in synergy with sister security agents and other stakeholders to realise the objectives of the squad.