PCRC seeks Community, Stakeholders’ Support for Safe School Initiative
Eniola Yekini
The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, has called on communities, parents, teachers, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders across the country to support the PCRC’s Safe Schools Initiative by providing timely and relevant security information that will assist in safeguarding schools and protecting students, teachers, and school properties.
Speaking in Abuja, the National Chairman emphasized that security is a collective responsibility and urged citizens to work closely with the PCRC and the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security around educational institutions nationwide.
According to him:” the effectiveness of the Safe Schools Initiative will depend significantly on strong community participation, effective information sharing, and collaboration among citizens, community-based security structures, and law-enforcement agencies.”
He stated that citizens should not hesitate to report suspicious activities, security threats, or other situations that may endanger schools and communities, stressing that “timely information can help security agencies take preventive and appropriate action.”
Also speaking, Comrade Bibi Oduku, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the National Chairman on Civil Engagement, disclosed that the PCRC is strengthening its engagement and networking with community-based security outfits that operate at the grassroots.
He explained that these community security structures often serve as an important first point of contact within their communities and can provide valuable local information to support the Nigeria Police Force in preventing and responding to security threats.
Comrade Bibi Oduku further stated that the PCRC National Office is working on appropriate technical and collaborative modalities with the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN) to encourage greater involvement of parents and teachers in promoting and maintaining security within schools.
He added that relevant community-based security groups, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilante groups, forest guards, and other recognized community security structures, would be encouraged to participate within the appropriate legal and operational framework.
According to him, “the objective is to establish a more effective communication and information-sharing system among communities, schools, security stakeholders, and relevant authorities, thereby ensuring that security concerns are reported promptly and addressed appropriately.”
The PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, reiterated the Committee’s commitment to strengthening police-community relations and encouraging citizens to freely communicate credible security information to the Nigeria Police Force whenever the need arises.
He emphasized that the Police Force remains a public institution established to protect lives and property and maintain peace and security, urging citizens to cooperate with law-enforcement authorities for the overall safety and development of the country.
The PCRC therefore calls on all stakeholders to take ownership of school safety and work collectively to create a secure environment where children can learn, teachers can work, and communities can thrive without fear.
The safety of our schools is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build safer schools, safer communities, and a safer Nigeria.