Why Lagos is Nigeria’s toughest state to police — DIG

The South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has described Lagos as Nigeria’s most complex policing environment, citing its large population, strategic importance, and dynamic security challenges.

Fayoade, the DIG in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), made the remark on Monday during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja.

He said Lagos State, with an estimated population of over 20 million people, requires a responsive, adaptive, and intelligence-driven policing approach.

“Lagos remains the most complex policing environment in the country. Its population size and strategic nature demand a well-structured, responsive, and intelligence-led policing system,” he said.

The DIG stressed the need for strong community engagement, collaboration with sister security agencies, and the adoption of technology-driven and intelligence-led operations to maintain security in the state.

He also noted that effective traffic management remains a key component of public order and overall security in Lagos.

Fayoade commended the Lagos State Police Command for its resilience and operational effectiveness, despite the complexities of policing the state.

He acknowledged ongoing security challenges such as armed robbery and cult-related violence, but praised the command’s sustained efforts in tackling them.

The DIG expressed confidence in the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Tijani, describing him as a capable officer with deep operational experience in Lagos.

He also lauded the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) for their consistent support to the police, particularly in logistics, welfare, and operational capacity.

According to him, recent support to the Violent Crime Response Unit, including vehicles, protective gear, and tactical equipment, has improved rapid response and officer safety.

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Fayoade further commended the Police Community Relations Committee, the Eminent Persons Forum, and other stakeholders for their continued support to security operations in Lagos.

He urged officers of the command to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance visibility policing, and maintain professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

“The expectations of the public are high, and Lagos must continue to set the standard for policing in Nigeria,” he said.

He assured residents of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property and reaffirmed the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu’s, resolve to sustain peace and strengthen public confidence nationwide.

In his remarks, Tijani said the command had recorded a significant decline in major crimes through intelligence-led operations and modern policing strategies.

He said the command had made notable progress in combating armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes since he assumed duty in March.

According to him, 71 armed robbery suspects, 133 cultism suspects, and 35 murder suspects were arrested within the period under review, while 60 firearms and 625 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

Tijani attributed the successes to the support of the I-G Disu, the Lagos State Government, LSSTF, Mr Ayo Ogunsan, and other stakeholders.

He, however, disclosed that seven officers lost their lives in the line of duty, while several others sustained injuries during operations.

The CP reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime and ensuring the safety of residents across Lagos State.

(NAN)