As schools across Nigeria reopen for a new academic term, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has urged parents and guardians to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of their children.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted the need for increased vigilance and careful screening of individuals responsible for children’s care.
ACP Adejobi reiterated important security measures, noting, “Parents should avoid leaving their children, students, or wards in the hands of people they don’t know well. It’s crucial not to entrust the care of children to strangers.”
He added that, particularly when arranging transportation for school-related activities, known as ‘school runs,’ parents should make sure to thoroughly assess and verify the people they rely on.
“If it’s absolutely necessary to engage someone for school runs, that person must have been properly vetted,” Adejobi said.
“Ensure that whoever is handling your child’s transportation is trustworthy, identifiable, and has been through a background check. Employing someone without this scrutiny poses a serious safety risk.”
The Police called on parents to prioritize the security of their children by carefully vetting caregivers and drivers. Although many parents lead busy lives, Adejobi stressed that ensuring the safety of their children must remain a top priority.
In addition, ACP Adejobi encouraged schools to cooperate with the Nigeria Police Force’s ‘Safe School Guards’ initiative, a government-backed project aimed at safeguarding students and staff in schools across the country.
“We urge schools to work closely with the Safe School Guards initiative, which offers security services to educational institutions nationwide,” he said.
Led by Commissioner of Police Lanre Ogunowo, the Safe School Guards initiative has already conducted risk assessments and deployed security personnel to schools throughout the country.
Adejobi advised schools to keep open lines of communication with local police divisions and area commanders to maintain security.
Concluding his remarks, ACP Adejobi appealed to students to remain focused on their education and steer clear of harmful influences.
“Students should be positive representatives of their families, stay committed to their studies, and avoid getting involved with bad groups. Cultism is dangerous and should be avoided,” he cautioned.
The Police Force called on all parties—parents, schools, and students—to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure that educational environments remain safe and secure.
