Jigawa Strengthens School Security, Invests N342 Million in Safe Schools Project

To enhance the security and safety of schools in Jigawa State, Governor Umar Namadi’s administration has launched the Safe Schools’ Rapid Response Coordination Centre.

The Safe Schools’ Rapid Response Coordination Centre was officially inaugurated during the recent Safe Schools’ Stakeholders’ Forum on Security held in Dutse. The forum was organized to address security concerns and ensure the safety of all schools—primary, secondary, and tertiary—throughout Jigawa State.

The newly established Safe Schools’ Rapid Response Coordination Centre, which was built at a cost exceeding N342 million, is equipped with modern security and surveillance technology. These include optical night vision devices, GPS units, walkie-talkies, and ICT systems designed to provide a strong security framework around schools in Jigawa State.

During his speech at the event, Governor Umar Namadi emphasized the importance of establishing a secure learning environment for students and pupils in the state. He stated, “this is a critical event with a very laudable objective aiming to support our efforts towards the provision of a safer and more secure learning environment for our children in schools and other learning places.”

He highlighted that security is a key aspect of his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, specifically under Goal 8, which focuses on developing a community-driven security response and incorporating advanced technologies. He further explained that this goal includes strengthening the roles of Local Government Councils, Traditional Institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to safeguard lives and properties within the state.

The Centre is also equipped with two sturdy Toyota Hilux vehicles and four motorcycles for rapid response operations.

Governor Namadi described the Centre, which includes Toyota Hilux vehicles and motorcycles for quick response missions, as a central facility for monitoring potential threats and coordinating swift interventions.

Furthermore, the governor announced the recruitment of nearly 10,000 youths through a cooperative arrangement between private security firms and public institutions. This initiative aims to enhance security at primary and secondary schools, as well as clinics, while simultaneously addressing unemployment by providing “secure and sustainable means of making a living.”

He also reaffirmed the state government’s ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure, including the construction of perimeter fences around boarding schools to ensure they remain “protected, safe, and conducive environments for teaching and learning to take place without interruption.”

“We will continue backing the implementation of security and justice sector reforms, support for community policing, and strengthening of preventative mechanisms within the State Security framework,” he said.

Earlier in the event, Ahmed Ammani, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 1, who represented the Inspector-General of the Nigeria Police, praised the Jigawa State Government for its proactive approach and the launch of the Safe Schools’ Initiative.

“The Safe Schools Initiative originated from the IG’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and security of our students and places of education,” he stated.

Additionally, while inaugurating the Jigawa State Police Command’s “Schools Protection Squad” (SPS), he announced that the Police would work closely with all stakeholders to reinforce security measures in schools against potential dangers.

He commended Governor Namadi for his unwavering support of security agencies and urged all stakeholders to maintain strong collaboration.

“By uniting our efforts, we can develop comprehensive strategies that are not merely reactive but also preemptive to ensure a holistic approach to school security,” he said.