The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State Command, has stepped up efforts to strengthen the safety of schools across the state through an inspection and patrol exercise conducted in Asaba, Okpanam, and surrounding communities.
The operation was carried out by a combined team of female squad officers and personnel of the Safe School Initiative Unit, led by Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Ejiro Festus Adah. The exercise focused on assessing existing security arrangements in selected schools and evaluating their effectiveness in ensuring a safe learning environment.
According to the Command, the patrol also served as a sensitisation campaign for school authorities on the need to strengthen perimeter fencing and engage the services of trained security personnel drawn from licensed Private Guard Companies.
The team commenced the exercise at about 0920 hours and visited several schools, including Abuato 3 Primary School, Zappa Mixed Secondary School, Okpanam High School, Oruchi Secondary School Okpanam, and St. Mulumba Secondary School Okpanam, among others.
Findings from the inspection revealed that while most government schools had perimeter fencing, many lacked trained security guards to properly monitor access and enhance safety within school premises.
Speaking on the exercise, the Commandant noted that the assessment patrol reflects the commitment of the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, to fully implement the Safe School Initiative, which was conceived by the Corps to strengthen security in educational institutions nationwide.
He further urged school authorities to prioritize the erection of proper fencing and ensure the deployment of qualified security personnel from registered private guard companies in order to guarantee a safer and more secure learning environment for students and staff.