School resumption: Anambra police deploy security personnel to schools, strategic locations
By Sunny A. David, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has commenced enhanced security deployment to schools and strategic locations across the state as pupils and students return for the new academic session.
The exercise, carried out in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s Safe School Initiative, is being coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka on Wednesday, saying the operation involved police personnel, sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
According to him, the deployment is aimed at strengthening security around educational institutions, sensitising pupils and students on personal safety, assisting schoolchildren with safe road crossing and providing other policing services necessary for a safe and conducive learning environment.
Ikenga said the exercise would also deepen collaboration between the Police, school authorities, teachers, parents, guardians, host communities and other stakeholders to ensure early identification, prevention and prompt response to security threats around schools.
He explained that personnel deployed to the designated locations had been directed to maintain a high-visibility presence, monitor activities within and around school environments and assist pupils and students, particularly during peak arrival and closing periods.
The officers are also expected to respond promptly to security concerns that may arise around schools.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting children, teachers, school authorities and other members of the school community.
He urged school authorities, parents, guardians and students to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, activities or emerging security threats to the Police or other appropriate security agencies.
The Commissioner stressed that security was a shared responsibility, calling on all stakeholders to maintain effective communication with security agencies and provide credible information that could facilitate timely intervention.
CP Oji Ama assured residents that the Command would continue to strengthen security visibility, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and proactive response around educational institutions across the state.
He wished pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community a safe, peaceful and successful academic session.
