Security agencies in Katsina State, located in northwestern Nigeria where schools have increasingly been targeted by criminal groups, have intensified protection measures around learning institutions following fresh directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Shehu.
In a detailed statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Abubakar Aliyu, the command confirmed that the Commissioner instructed the Coordinator of the School Protection Squad to immediately reactivate and deploy all available safety mechanisms aimed at safeguarding both students and staff in schools across the state. Okay News reports.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Abubakar Aliyu explained that “the directive was given at a meeting with tactical commanders to review the command’s general security strategies in the state.”
He further stated that the Commissioner noted this decision aligns with national policing priorities. According to him, Shehu “explained that this was in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to prioritise safety and security around educational institutions.”
Mr. Shehu also announced the “deployment of additional resources to ensure the security especially in educational institutions” in Katsina State. This move comes as many schools in northern Nigeria face rising threats from armed groups known locally as bandits, who have carried out raids, mass abductions, and attacks in multiple states including Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi.
The Commissioner appealed to residents in all communities to actively support ongoing security operations. He urged locals to strengthen intelligence sharing, stressing that such cooperation remains essential to preventing attacks. Shehu specifically called on the public to intensify efforts in supporting the crime-fighting measures of the command to safeguard schools and communities.
He encouraged citizens to promptly notify security agencies of any unusual movements or suspicious persons. As he advised, the “public to timely report suspicious activities or concerns to the command.”
Recent reports indicate a troubling rise in school-related attacks across northern Nigeria, particularly in Kebbi State and Niger State, where multiple incidents of student abductions have forced authorities to close several schools temporarily or permanently as a safety measure.
