Plateau United have organised a security training programme for their security personnel and stewards, with a focus on improving crowd management, access control and safety during Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matches.
The initiative, organised by the club’s management, brought together security personnel and members of the supporters’ club to strengthen their understanding of matchday operations and prepare them to prevent security breaches at the stadium.
Henry Chijioke, Head of Protocol and Security of the NPFL, served as a resource person during the programme, which also featured contributions from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Plateau United officials.
HENRY STRESSES PREVENTION
Henry Chijioke said the training was designed to improve matchday security and prevent incidents such as stampedes and crowd violence.
“FIFA regulations on safety and security state that proactiveness is actually better than reactiveness. If you prevent it from happening, then you are good,” Henry said.
He explained that the training covered security planning, risk assessment and coordination among relevant agencies, adding that meetings should be held at least two days before matches to identify potential hazards.
Henry also stressed the need for proper access control, noting that security personnel should arrive early to conduct briefings and inspect the stadium.
“If you leave the gates open, even fans may import strange objects that they may use during the course of the game, either at the referee or towards themselves,” he said.
The second day’s session focused on stewardship, including the roles and qualities of a good steward.
NSCDC HIGHLIGHTS ACCESS CONTROL
SC Rengman Ayuba of the NSCDC, Plateau State Command, said the programme had improved his understanding of crowd management and protecting spectators from security threats.
“First, I learned that access control is majorly the key. When people are coming in from the beginning, that’s where it starts,” Ayuba said.
He explained that security personnel must screen spectators properly and inspect the stadium before matches to remove potentially dangerous objects.
Ayuba added that physical searches and scanners, where available, could help prevent prohibited items from entering the venue. He also stressed the need to manage tensions that may arise during matches, particularly when the home team is losing.
SUPPORTERS’ CLUB WELCOMES TRAINING
Gyang Dung Peter, Public Relations Officer of the Plateau United Supporters Club, commended the club’s management for organising the programme.
“I want to thank the management of Plateau United for this good, wonderful initiative. I think this is the first time that something like this is coming on Plateau, especially with the Supporters Club and the stewards of the stadium,” Peter said.
He said participants had learned about crowd management, ticket handling, entry procedures and the importance of arriving on time. He added that the supporters’ club would share the lessons with other members.
Peter also emphasised that stewards must protect visiting supporters as well as home fans.
“The stewards are not supposed to be for the home team alone. The away team are very, very important for the steward to take care of,” he said.
He said visiting teams and their supporters should receive proper guidance and protection from their arrival in Jos until their departure.
PLATEAU UNITED PLAN ANNUAL TRAINING
Plateau United Team Manager Myepobai Bulus said the training was intended to improve security preparedness among the club’s personnel, particularly members of the supporters’ club.
“The purpose of the training is to enlighten our security personnel, most especially the supporters’ club, about how to do matchday running to avoid any breach of security,” Bulus said.
He described the initiative as a train-the-trainers programme, with participants expected to share their knowledge with others.
“We are training them so that they would also go and train others,” he said.
Bulus added that the club hoped to organise the training annually before each season, explaining that although it was initially planned for before the current campaign, other commitments delayed the programme.
“But we think it’s better late than never. That’s why we’re doing it now,” he said.
The two-day programme, which began on Friday, October 16, concludes today, Saturday, October 17, as Plateau United seek to strengthen matchday safety through better planning, access control and coordination among security personnel and stewards.