By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has commenced enhanced security deployment to schools and strategic locations across the state as schools resume for the new academic session.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the exercise is in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s Safe School Initiative.

The operation, coordinated under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, ACP Harrison Oruruo, involves the deployment of Police personnel, sister security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to designated schools and strategic locations across the State.

The statement reads in part: “The deployment is aimed at strengthening security around educational institutions, sensitizing pupils and students on personal safety and security awareness, assisting school children with safe road crossing, and providing other necessary policing services to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.

“The Command is also using the exercise to strengthen collaboration among the Police, school authorities, teachers, parents, guardians, host communities and other stakeholders towards the early identification, prevention and prompt response to security threats around schools.

“Personnel deployed for the exercise have been directed to maintain high-visibility presence, monitor activities within and around school environments, assist pupils and students, particularly during peak arrival and closing periods, and respond promptly to security concerns.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to the safety and protection of children, teachers, school authorities and other members of the school community.

The CP urged school authorities, parents, guardians and students to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons, activities or emerging security concerns to the Police or other appropriate security agencies.

While emphasizing that security is a shared responsibility, Ama called on all stakeholders to maintain effective communication with the Police and other security agencies and provide credible information that will facilitate timely intervention.

The Commissioner assured Ndi Anambra that the Command will continue to strengthen security visibility, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and proactive response around educational institutions across the State.

The Command however wished all pupils, students, teachers and other members of the school community a safe, peaceful and successful academic session.