By Samuel Luka
The Bauchi State Police Command on Thursday inaugurated a multi-stakeholder Safe School Implementation Task Force to bolster security in schools amid rising threats of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks.
While speaking, Bauchi's Commissioner of Police, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu said schools had become prime targets for criminal groups, disrupting academic activities and creating fear among students, teachers, and parents.
“Across the country, schools are increasingly targeted by bandits, kidnappers, cult groups, and drug networks,” Aliyu said at the event held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Bauchi.
The task force was inaugurated on behalf of Governor Bala Mohammed by the Chief Security Adviser and Supervising Commissioner for Internal Security, retired DIG Muhammad Sani.
CP Aliyu said the initiative follows a directive from the Inspector General of Police requiring all state commands to strengthen school security through proactive policing, interagency collaboration, intelligence-led operations, and stakeholder engagement.
He stressed that protecting schools requires more than police action alone.
“We must work collectively to identify vulnerable schools, strengthen preventive measures, improve intelligence sharing, and establish effective emergency response mechanisms,” the CP told the committee members.
“Approach this assignment with seriousness, commitment, and patriotism.” He said.
CP Sani assured that the command will deploy all lawful resources to safeguard lives and property in and around educational institutions.
He urged school authorities and the public to report suspicious activity promptly, noting that timely information is critical to preventing attacks.
The task force will coordinate efforts to identify at-risk schools and implement preventive measures under the national Safe School program.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of the Emir of Katagum, sister security agencies, top government officials, traditional and religious leaders, heads of educational institutions, civil society groups, and the press.
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