The Lagos State Police Command has deployed a dedicated squad to schools in riverine and border communities to protect pupils, teachers, and infrastructure.

Their deployment followed the inauguration of the command’s School Protection Squad (SPS) by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Tijani Fatai, with marching orders to ensure that no harm befalls school children or learning environments in border communities.

Specifically, the dedicated squad would serve schools in Badagry, Epe and Ikorodu, as the CP highlighted the need for strengthened security in view of happenings in other parts of the country.

Addressing the operatives, the police boss said: “We have seen what is happening elsewhere and we do not have to wait for it to happen in Lagos before we take action. This is a proactive step to ensure our pupils in border communities are safe.

“See this as not just a duty but your responsibility. As we work for the government, we have children and family everywhere, and so, imagine that your child could be in any of those schools you are sent to secure. Give it your best and ensure the area you are assigned is impregnable.

“Your duty will be rotational weekend, and we have partnered with the local governments to ensure your welfare is a priority. I expect nothing but your utmost best service as you go out.”

In an aside interview with journalists after the flag-off, CP Tijani said the squad would work in synergy with detachments of marine police personnel and gunboats deployed to those areas.

He said the goal was to tighten security around schools in border communities, which might be vulnerable to attacks, as evidenced in the last.

“We know within Lagos State, the areas where we could have that kind of challenge are within the entry and exit points of the state, and these areas are around Badagry, Ikorodu and Epe axis.

“So we have tried as much as possible to augment the security that is already on the ground, especially around the riverine areas, where we have schools, bushes and adjoining states.

“It is a proactive measure to tighten up the borders around the schools and the waterways. They are going to work in synergy with the gunboat. This squad is going to work on the hinterland, while the gunboats will work on the waterways.

We want to make sure as much as possible that the security is tightened so that we won’t have any unforeseen incidents”, he added.

Meanwhile, over 50 vehicles were impounded yesterday by the command for plying the roads without registration details or with concealed number plates.

Led by CP Tijani, the enforcement began as early as 6 am with police teams flagging vehicles at strategic locations.

Speaking after the enforcement, the police chief said the command acted in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, and assured that the law would take its course.

He reiterated that the impoundment was part of efforts to enhance security, noting that criminals usually hid behind sick vehicles to carry out operations. (The Nation)