Lagos is Nigeria’s most complicated police environment, according to Mr Adegoke Fayoade, the South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), who cited the city’s sizable population, strategic significance, and ever-changing security issues.
During an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Fayoade, the DIG responsible for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), made the statement.
With an estimated population of more than 20 million, he claimed that Lagos State necessitates an intelligence-driven, flexible, and responsive policing strategy.
Lagos continues to be the nation’s most complicated police environment. A well-organised, adaptable, and intelligence-driven law enforcement apparatus is necessary due to its size and strategic location, he stated.
In order to preserve security in the state, the DIG emphasised the necessity of robust community participation, cooperation with sister security organisations, and the implementation of technology-driven and intelligence-led operations.
He added that maintaining public order and general security in Lagos still depends heavily on efficient traffic management.
Despite the challenges of state policing, Fayoade praised the Lagos State Police Command for its tenacity and operational efficacy.
While acknowledging persistent security issues including armed robberies and cult-related violence, he commended the command’s persistent attempts to address them.
The DIG described Mr. Fatai Tijani, the Commissioner of Police, as a capable officer with extensive operational experience in Lagos and expressed trust in his leadership.
Additionally, he praised the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) and the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for their continuous assistance to the police, especially with regard to welfare, logistics, and operational capability.
He claims that the Violent Crime reaction Unit’s latest support—which includes cars, tactical equipment, and protective gear—has enhanced officer safety and quick reaction.
Fayoade also praised the Eminent Persons Forum, the Police Community Relations Committee, and other relevant parties for their ongoing assistance with security operations in Lagos.
He asked command officers to uphold professionalism, accountability, and public trust while bolstering intelligence collection and visibility policing.
He stated, “The public has high expectations, and Lagos must continue to set the standard for Nigerian policing.”
In addition to reiterating Inspector-General of Police Mr. Olatunji Disu’s commitment to maintaining peace and bolstering public confidence across the country, he reassured people of the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to protecting lives and property.
Tijani stated in his speech that the command had seen a notable decrease in serious crimes as a result of intelligence-driven operations and contemporary policing techniques.
Since taking over in March, he claimed that the command had made significant strides against violent crimes like as kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and others.
He claims that during the period under consideration, 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition were found, and 71 armed robbery suspects, 133 cultism suspects, and 35 murder suspects were taken into custody.
Tijani credited Mr. Ayo Ogunsan, the Lagos State Government, LSSTF, I-G Disu, and other stakeholders for the accomplishments.
However, he revealed that several cops were injured during operations, and seven officers died while performing their duties.
The CP reiterated the command’s dedication to maintaining the fight against crime and guaranteeing Lagos State residents’ safety.