Police Commend PCRC’s Safe Schools Initiative, back 10,000-volunteer security plan

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) for launching its Safe Schools Initiative and unveiling plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers to support the protection of schools across the country.

The Force also pledged its full support for the initiative and other programmes of the PCRC aimed at strengthening community policing and enhancing public safety.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, made the commitment during an official visit to the PCRC National Secretariat in Abuja. He praised members of the committee for their dedication and sustained efforts in promoting stronger police-community relations nationwide.

“I thank you for your persistence. I thank you for your patience. If you had not been persistent and patient, the PCRC would not have remained as strong as it is today,” Iniedu said.

He described the Safe Schools Initiative as a timely intervention that aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding schools and creating a secure environment for teaching and learning.

Iniedu also commended the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, for his commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force, describing his dedication as exemplary.

The Force PRO recounted how Olaniyan once waited several hours to meet him, saying the gesture reflected the chairman’s unwavering commitment to the Police and the committee’s objectives.

He further disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, warmly received ceremonial PCRC lapels presented by the committee and directed that they be worn by a civilian staff member in his office, describing the action as a demonstration of the Police leadership’s support for the organisation.

Iniedu also expressed appreciation to the PCRC for donating cameras to Police Public Relations Officers, including his office, noting that the equipment would enhance public communication and improve the dissemination of police activities.

Reaffirming his support for the committee, he pledged to continue participating in and promoting PCRC programmes throughout his tenure as Force Public Relations Officer.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, described Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu as a leader committed to community policing, openness and collaboration.

Olaniyan announced that the PCRC is expanding its Safe Schools Initiative with plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers nationwide to work with the Police, community leaders and other security stakeholders in protecting schools across the country.

He said the initiative would also support the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance systems, particularly in schools located in vulnerable and remote communities, to strengthen security and deter criminal activities.

The PCRC chairman also praised CSP Iniedu for his accessibility and commitment to deepening collaboration between the committee and the Nigeria Police Force.

He disclosed that construction of the PCRC National Headquarters is progressing steadily and is expected to be completed and commissioned in December.

According to Olaniyan, members of the committee have resolved to name the new national headquarters after the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, in recognition of his support for community policing and the PCRC.

He added that the facility would include a dedicated office for the Force Public Relations Officer to further enhance collaboration between the Police and the committee.

The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the PCRC to strengthening community policing, improving school security, building public trust and enhancing national security through active citizen participation.