Save the Children Hails Nigeria Police Schools Protection Squad, Backs Safer Learning Nationwide
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Save the Children has commended the Nigeria Police Force Schools Protection Squad (SPS) for its role in strengthening school safety, community protection, and rapid response mechanisms across the country.
The commendation was contained in a statement issued by Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer.
The organisation’s Country Director, Duncan Harvey, gave the praise during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Schools Protection Squad, Abayomi Shogunle, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Harvey noted that the SPS has played a critical role in advancing Nigeria’s national agenda on child protection, particularly in ensuring that children learn in safe, secure, and violence-free environments.
“The Schools Protection Squad has been instrumental in addressing challenges facing children and ensuring safe learning environments across Nigeria,” he said.
He further disclosed that Nigeria has earned global recognition as a leader in implementing the Safe School Declaration, adding that ongoing collaboration aims to deepen coordinated security mechanisms around education.
According to him, Save the Children is supporting the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack (GCPEA) to facilitate a high-level international exchange visit to Nigeria, where foreign delegates will understudy the country’s successful safe schools model.
“The Nigeria Police Schools Protection Squad will play a central role in showcasing its operational structures and field-level impact during the visit,” Harvey added.
He also revealed growing international interest in Nigeria’s progress, noting that Norway- a global advocate for protecting education—plans a high-level visit following the Fifth International Safe Schools Declaration Conference held in Kenya.
Responding, CP Shogunle expressed appreciation for the visit and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to sustained collaboration and improved security for educational institutions.
“We remain committed to strengthening school protection, enhancing community safety, and working closely with stakeholders to safeguard the future of our children,” he said.
Save the Children, which operates in over 120 countries and has been active in Nigeria since 2001, continues to implement programmes in child protection, healthcare, resilience building, and humanitarian response.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its resolve to ensure that schools across the country remain safe and conducive for learning, as part of broader efforts to build public trust and national stability.
