In a significant move to ensure school safety and security across Jigawa State, Governor Malam Umar Namadi has unveiled the Safe Schools Rapid Response Coordination Centre in Dutse.
The center’s official commissioning occurred Thursday at the opening ceremony of the Safe Schools Stakeholders’ Forum on Security of Schools in Jigawa State, which was held at the Ahmadu Bello Hall within the State Secretariat in Dutse.
In his keynote address, Governor Namadi emphasized creating a safer and more secure learning environment for the state’s pupils, stating that “this is a critical event with a very laudable objective aiming to support our efforts towards the provision of a safer and more secure learning environment for our children in schools and other learning places.”
The Governor highlighted that security is outlined as Goal 8 in his administration’s 12-Point Agenda, focusing on “building an inclusive community-led response to security, adopting new technologies, and strengthening local government councils, traditional institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety of lives and properties of the good people of the State.”
The newly established Safe Schools Rapid Response Coordination Centre, which cost over 342 million naira, features state-of-the-art security gear and surveillance equipment, including optical night vision devices, GPS units, walkie-talkies, and ICT technology.
The Centre also boasts two robust Toyota Hilux vehicles and four motorcycles for rapid response operations.
Governor Namadi described the center as “a central hub for monitoring potential emergencies and coordinating swift response.”
In addition to the Centre, the Governor announced the engagement of nearly ten thousand youths through a cooperative venture linking private security firms and public institutions, especially primary and secondary schools as well as clinics, to bolster protection as well as address unemployment by supplying “secure and sustainable means of making a living.”
Governor Namadi also reemphasized the state’s ongoing work to improve school grounds, such as erecting perimeter fences encircling boarding academies to guarantee they stay “protected, safe, and conducive environments for teaching and learning to take place without interruption.”
Governor Namadi concluded his address by urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and preemptive in addressing security challenges.
“We will continue backing the implementation of security and justice sector reforms, support for community policing, and strengthening of preventative mechanisms within the State Security framework.”
In his speech, the Inspector General of Police, represented by Assistant Inspector General Zone 1, Ahmed Ammani, commended the Jigawa State Government for its forward-thinking approach and launched the IG Safe Schools Initiative.
“The Safe Schools Initiative originated from the IG’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and security of our students and places of education,” he stated, as he also inaugurated the Jigawa State Police Command’s “Schools Protection Squad” (SPS), which will collaborate closely with all parties concerned to fortify schools against potential threats.
In his remarks, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police expressed gratitude to Governor Namadi for his unyielding support to security forces and called for continued teamwork among all stakeholders.
“By uniting our efforts, we can develop comprehensive strategies that are not merely reactive but also preemptive to ensure a holistic approach to school security.”
The occasion, which brought together dignitaries from across sectors, discussed strategies for maintaining peace and harmony.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa state
March 6, 2025
