Bauchi State government, North west Nigeris, has ordered the closure of schools following rising security concerns.
The directive affects primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, including Federal Government-owned and private schools.
The announcement was made yesterday by the Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, Jalaludeen Usman.
According to Usman, the decision was reached after extensive consultations and a careful assessment of threats to the safety of students, teachers, and school communities. He noted that although the move may inconvenience parents and learners, the protection of children remains the government’s top priority.
The ministry further urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
The Lagos State Police Command, Southwest Nigeria, has strengthened security across schools, places of worship, markets, recreational centres and event venues as part of renewed efforts to prevent threats and guarantee public safety.
The move followed recent security breaches in parts of the country, including the attack on a Catholic church in Eruku, Kwara State, and the abduction of pupils in Kebbi and Niger states by suspected bandits.
Commissioner of Police (CP) Olorundare Jimoh, who briefed reporters yesterday at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, said personnel have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to ensure a crime-free Yuletide.
“We have created a special squad to take charge of school protection, and we are making steady progress with no fear of apprehension,” he said.
“Our intelligence teams are moving in and out of major areas to prevent any criminal infiltration into Lagos.”
The police chief said security has also been reinforced across other critical infrastructure and border communities, noting that waterways are now better secured following the deployment of 26 gunboats recently launched in Lagos by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
He added that a new Submarine Tactical Squad has been established to strengthen internal maritime security, while land-based patrols have been expanded through the EkoStrike Force, a rapid-response unit created by the IGP to complement the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Jimoh said the EkoStrike Force has improved emergency response to security flashes and has contributed to the reduction in crime levels in the state, announcing that Somolu Local Government has constructed a permanent site for the strike force.
He also announced the expansion of the tactical squad from 23 teams to 35, with plans to increase the number to 57 so that every local government and LCDA can have a dedicated response team.
On the successes recorded by the command, Jimoh disclosed that 56 suspects involved in various offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, stealing, conspiracy, assault occasioning harm and threats to life were arrested during multiple operations in November.
He said the arrests were accompanied by significant recoveries, including nine stolen exotic vehicles taken by drivers and car wash attendants, as well as one motorcycle allegedly removed from a park through fraudulent conversion and smuggling.
“These achievements are a testament to our sustained November strategy aimed at dismantling criminal gangs, intercepting stolen property, removing illegal firearms from circulation, and strengthening public safety across Lagos State,” Jimoh said.
He added that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers,Tactical Squads and Unit Commanders have been directed to provide adequate security at all worship centres, especially during services and festive activities.
“The security situation in Lagos is not alarming. We are firmly on top of the situation,” he assured. “The successes recorded are not due to police efforts alone but also the support and collaboration of residents who have continued to work with the command to safeguard lives and property.”
Jimoh urged Lagosians to remain vigilant and continue partnering with the police to sustain the state’s security gains.
Also, Katsina State Police Command yesterday activated the school’s protection mechanism.
Commissioner of Police Bello Shehu, in a statement, said the directive was in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Shehu directed the Coordinator of the School Protection Squad to ensure schools were guarded.
At a meeting with tactical commanders to review and enhance the command’s security strategies, the CP ordered the deployment of more resources.
He called on members to continue to collaborate and support the crime-fighting efforts of the command to safeguard schools and communities in the state, as the command remains resolute in ensuring a more secure environment.
He advised the public to report suspicious activities or concerns to the command through the publicised emergency lines.
Source: The Nation
