IGP orders tighter security around Katsina schools

Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a significant strengthening of security protocols for schools across Katsina State. This directive aims to safeguard students, educators, and educational infrastructure against escalating security threats.

The order was communicated by Deputy Inspector-General Sulaiman Abdul during a visit to Katsina, emphasizing the need for intensified surveillance, more frequent patrols around school perimeters, enhanced intelligence operations, and a consistent visible police presence at all educational institutions. These measures are designed to preempt security incidents and ensure a secure learning environment.

This initiative responds to persistent worries regarding school safety in northern Nigeria, a region that has experienced armed group attacks and student abductions. While Katsina has not recently faced major school abductions, the state continues to contend with banditry and kidnappings, particularly in its rural areas. The directive also recalls the 2020 abduction of hundreds of students from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, which drew national and international attention.

As part of the assessment, Deputy Inspector-General Abdul inspected security infrastructure at various schools, including the Police Children School and Government Girls Technical and Commercial College. He met with school administrators to understand their security concerns and operational challenges, stressing the importance of stricter access control and vigilance among school staff. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting educational facilities and ensuring uninterrupted access to education.

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The command has been directed to strengthen surveillance around schools, increase patrols, enhance intelligence gathering and sustain a visible security presence in and around educational institutions.