PCRC to deploy 10,000 volunteers, CCTV cameras to boost school security

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has announced plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers across the country and install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in vulnerable schools as part of efforts to strengthen the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative.

The Committee said the volunteers would work closely with the Nigeria Police, community leaders and other security stakeholders to enhance the protection of schools, particularly those located in remote and high-risk communities.

Mogaji Olaniyan, National President of the PCRC, disclosed the initiative on Friday in Abuja while receiving Anietie Inyedu, Force Public Relations Officer, at the Committee’s National Secretariat.

Olaniyan said the decision followed consultations with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and community leaders, stressing that community participation remained critical to safeguarding schools from criminal attacks.

“The PCRC is expanding its Safe Schools Initiative, with plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers nationwide to work with the Nigeria Police, community leaders and other security stakeholders in protecting schools across the country,” he said.

He added that the Committee would complement security efforts by installing CCTV surveillance systems in schools, especially those situated in vulnerable and remote areas, to deter criminal activities and improve monitoring.

“We would also support by installing CCTV surveillance systems, particularly in schools located in vulnerable and remote communities, to improve security and deter criminal activities.

“We are going to make the job of the Nigeria Police and other security agencies simple,” Olaniyan stated.

The PCRC president also announced that the Committee had commenced construction of a new national headquarters, which will be executed by LIVTEC Nigeria Limited and is expected to be completed by December.

He disclosed that members had unanimously resolved to name the building after the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Olatunji Disu, in recognition of his commitment to community policing and support for the committee.

Speaking during the visit, Anietie Inyedu, Force Public Relations Officer and Secretary-General of the PCRC, commended Olaniyan for his dedication to advancing the committee’s programmes.

He also expressed appreciation for the donation of cameras to Police Public Relations Officers across the country.

“The national chairman directed that cameras should be given to all my PROs and even my office. We are very grateful,” Inyedu said.

The police spokesman described the expansion of the Safe Schools Initiative as timely, noting that schools had increasingly become targets of criminal groups in different parts of the country.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to partnering with the PCRC in improving school security under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police.

The renewed commitment comes against the backdrop of persistent attacks on educational institutions, particularly in northern Nigeria, where armed groups have repeatedly abducted students and teachers in recent years.

The Federal Government launched the Safe Schools Initiative to strengthen security around learning institutions, improve emergency response mechanisms.