The Nigeria Police Force says its Safe Schools Initiative is emerging as a model for school protection across Africa after an African Union delegation visited Nigeria to study the programme.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu received Ambassador Jainaba Jagne and an international delegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on 13 May as part of efforts to strengthen the safety of schools and children affected by insecurity.

The delegation included representatives from Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Ethiopia, the Global Coalition to Protect Education from Attack, and Save the Children International.

According to the police, the visit focused on Nigeria’s Schools Protection Squad Command and Control Centre under the Safe Schools Declaration framework.

Why It Matters

The development comes as many African countries continue to battle armed conflict, banditry, terrorism, and attacks on schools.

Nigeria itself has experienced repeated school abductions in recent years, particularly in northern states, prompting authorities to increase security measures around educational institutions.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne praised the Nigeria Police Force for its approach to school security.

“Several African countries are looking to understudy and adapt the Nigerian Safe Schools model,” she said.

She added that African Union member states had shown “strong interest” in Nigeria’s initiative as part of wider continental efforts to protect children and educational institutions affected by insecurity.

Police Promise Intelligence-Led School Protection

In his remarks, IGP Disu said the police would continue working with education authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to strengthen school safety nationwide.

He said the Force would deploy intelligence-led policing, patrol operations, rapid response systems, and technology-driven solutions to protect schools.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration,” the IGP said.

Security analysts say Nigeria’s model could become influential if it delivers measurable reductions in attacks on schools and improves emergency response capabilities.

Education advocates have also argued that stronger school protection systems are essential to improving school attendance and reducing fear among parents in conflict-prone communities.

Nigeria Police Dismiss Officers Accused of Kidnapping and Extortion

The announcement on school safety came as the Nigeria Police Force disclosed fresh disciplinary actions against officers accused of criminal activities in Rivers State.

The Force said several police personnel had been dismissed, arrested, or prosecuted over allegations including kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, stealing, and abuse of office.

According to the police, the actions are part of ongoing internal reforms aimed at improving accountability and public trust.

Officers Accused of Running Illegal Patrol Operations

Investigators said one syndicate involved serving officers attached to Zone 16 Headquarters in Yenagoa.

The officers — Inspectors Ayanniyi Jelili, Durojaye Francis, and Olayemi Titus — allegedly conducted illegal patrols in Port Harcourt, abducted victims during stop-and-search operations, and forced them to transfer money from bank and cryptocurrency accounts.

Police said three additional officers — Inspector Awele Ogbogu, Inspector Prosper Aghotor, and Corporal Favour Onwuchekwa — are currently being sought.

Authorities said they recovered three Toyota Sienna vehicles allegedly used in the operations and traced ₦7.3 million to the suspected criminal activities.

Five Officers Dismissed

In a separate case, officers formerly attached to the Department of Operations in Rivers State were accused of kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

The implicated officers — Inspectors John Okoi, Eyibo Asuquo, Udo Ndipmong, Bright Nwachukwu, and Anele Ikechukwu — were dismissed after internal disciplinary proceedings, according to police authorities.

The Force said the officers would face prosecution on charges including conspiracy, armed robbery, kidnapping, extortion, and official corruption.

Public Trust and Police Reform

The cases are likely to renew public debate about misconduct within Nigeria’s police system, particularly allegations of extortion and abuse during stop-and-search operations.

Civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger oversight mechanisms, improved welfare for officers, and faster prosecution of personnel accused of corruption or human rights abuses.

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to continue reporting misconduct through official complaint channels.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to a professional, transparent, accountable, and service-driven policing system,” the statement said.

Industry and Public Reactions

Security experts say the simultaneous promotion of school safety initiatives and prosecution of corrupt officers reflects an attempt by the police leadership to balance reform with public accountability.

Analysts note that public confidence in policing institutions will depend not only on policy announcements but also on visible enforcement actions against erring officers.

Parents’ groups and education advocates have also welcomed stronger school security efforts but say long-term success will depend on sustained funding, technology deployment, and collaboration with local communities.

What’s Next?

The African Union and partner organisations are expected to continue studying Nigeria’s Safe Schools framework for possible adaptation across member states.

Meanwhile, the prosecution of dismissed officers in Rivers State will likely be closely watched as a test of the Nigeria Police Force’s anti-corruption and accountability reforms.

Women-focused banking platform SARA By Wema has selected Enatta Foundation founder, Mrs Adi Okuyelu, as one of the mentors for its 2026 mentorship programme aimed at supporting personal growth, entrepreneurship, career development, and skills enhancement for women and young professionals.

The announcement was made through a LinkedIn post published by Enatta Foundation, which described the appointment as a significant step in expanding mentorship opportunities for underserved communities.

According to the Foundation, Mrs Okuyelu’s selection reflects her years of work supporting women and vulnerable groups through empowerment initiatives and community development programmes.

“Mama Enatta’s work with women in underserved communities aligns perfectly with Sara by Wema’s mission to unlock potential and create sustainable growth,” the Foundation said in the post.

The organisation added:

“From riverine communities to boardrooms, we believe that when you invest in someone’s potential, you transform entire communities.”

Why the mentorship programme matters

SARA By Wema, a women-focused initiative of Wema Bank, has continued to position itself as a platform for female empowerment, financial inclusion, leadership training, and entrepreneurship support across Nigeria.

Industry analysts say mentorship programmes have become increasingly important as young entrepreneurs and professionals seek guidance, access to networks, and practical career support in a challenging economic climate.

Development experts also note that mentorship initiatives targeting women and underserved communities can help close gaps in leadership representation and economic participation.

Mrs Okuyelu’s inclusion in the programme is expected to bring grassroots development experience into conversations around leadership, enterprise growth, and social impact.

Focus on women, youth empowerment

Enatta Foundation has built a reputation around supporting women and young people in underserved communities through education, advocacy, and empowerment initiatives.

The Foundation said the partnership aligns with its broader mission of transforming lives through opportunity creation and mentorship.

Observers say collaborations between financial institutions and non-profit organisations are becoming more common as businesses increasingly invest in social impact programmes alongside traditional banking services.

Registration details

Interested participants can register for the mentorship programme through the official registration link shared by the Foundation:

Register for the SARA By Wema Mentorship Programme; https://lnkd.in/equEtcCp

What’s next?

The mentorship programme is expected to feature sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth throughout 2026.

Participants are also expected to gain access to networking opportunities, mentorship circles, and industry insights from experienced professionals across sectors.

JMG Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to improving elevator safety standards in Nigeria following a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Safety Commission in Lagos.

The meeting, held on Thursday at the Commission’s office in Alausa, Ikeja, focused on strengthening cooperation between regulators and the private sector on elevator safety awareness, technical training, compliance, and industry best practices.

The delegation from JMG included the company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Rabi Jammal, Group Operations Director for JMG Elevators, Ahmed Sameh, and Head of Marketing, Oluwatomi Faniran.

They were received by the Technical Adviser to the Lagos State Safety Commission, Seun Awojobi.

Why Elevator Safety Matters in Lagos

As Lagos continues to expand vertically with more residential towers, shopping malls, hotels, and office complexes, industry experts say elevator safety has become increasingly important.

Faulty elevators, poor maintenance practices, and weak compliance systems can pose risks to building occupants, especially in densely populated urban centres.

Industry analysts note that stronger regulation, regular inspections, and better technical training are becoming critical as Nigeria’s construction and real estate sectors grow.

JMG said its engagement with the Commission reflects a broader push to improve operational standards and align with international safety practices.

Speaking during the meeting, Rabi Jammal said the company remained committed to “safety, innovation, and operational excellence” across its operations.

According to him, JMG continues to align with global standards by investing in technical expertise, quality systems, and strategic partnerships aimed at creating safer environments.

He added that collaboration with regulators was necessary to improve compliance and strengthen public confidence in the industry.

“Collaborations with regulatory institutions such as the Lagos State Safety Commission are essential to strengthening compliance and boosting public confidence within the sector,” he said.

Lagos Safety Commission Calls for Stronger Collaboration

Responding during the visit, Seun Awojobi praised the initiative and stressed the importance of cooperation between regulators and private companies.

He said sustained engagement between stakeholders would help improve professionalism, safety consciousness, and compliance across the sector.

“Continuous stakeholder engagement would play a vital role in improving operational standards and ensuring safer systems across the state,” Awojobi said.

The discussions also covered technical capacity development, safety education, and long-term collaboration to support global best practices in Nigeria’s elevator and electro-mechanical industries.

JMG’s Growing Presence in Nigeria’s Infrastructure Sector

JMG Elevators, a division of JMG Limited, provides installation, maintenance, and modernization services for elevators and lift systems in commercial, residential, and industrial buildings.

The company is an authorised distributor of TK Elevator, formerly known as Thyssenkrupp Elevator.

Beyond vertical transportation systems, JMG operates across power generation, electrical infrastructure, cooling systems, air compressors, and renewable energy solutions, including solar and hybrid energy systems.

Industry observers say investments in safer building systems could become increasingly important as Nigeria modernises urban infrastructure and expands commercial real estate development.

What This Means for Residents and Businesses

For residents and property owners in Lagos, the partnership discussions could lead to stronger awareness around elevator inspections, maintenance culture, and adherence to safety standards.

Businesses operating high-rise buildings may also face growing expectations to comply with modern safety protocols as regulators and industry players intensify conversations around public safety.

Experts say the move could encourage more companies in the construction and facility management sectors to prioritise preventive maintenance and certified safety systems.