The Nigerian Lagos State Police Command has stepped up security deployments across schools, religious institutions, and other high-traffic public areas as part of renewed efforts to prevent crime during the busy end-of-year period. Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh disclosed the measures on Monday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
Jimoh emphasised that Lagos remained stable and safe, noting that the enhanced deployments would continue throughout the holiday season and into early next year. “We want residents to know that Lagos is secure. Additional personnel have been sent to schools, worship centres, religious gatherings, and other places people visit frequently. This operation will continue into the New Year to ensure the safety of everyone in the state,” he said.
State-Wide Policing Measures Expanded
According to the commissioner, the command is also increasing the strength of tactical units across all local government areas. The heightened vigilance follows several security incidents reported across the country in recent weeks, including kidnappings in Kwara, Kebbi and Niger states. Although Lagos has not recorded similar incidents at the same scale, police authorities say proactive action is necessary to prevent potential threats.
Crackdown on Vehicle Theft and New Trends
Jimoh revealed that a significant number of recent vehicle theft cases in the state have been linked to newly hired drivers and car wash attendants. During the briefing, he paraded 10 recovered vehicles, noting that 56 suspects had been arrested for various offences ranging from vehicle theft to attempted robbery.
“These vehicles were mostly taken by drivers who had only recently been employed or by car wash attendants who had access to the cars,” he noted. The recovered vehicles include a Toyota Hilux, Range Rover SUV, Land Cruiser, Lexus GX460, Honda CR-V, Toyota Corolla models, and a Boxer Bajaj motorcycle believed to have been used in a robbery attempt.
Police also displayed locally made weapons seized from suspects, including pistols, a cut-to-size shotgun, a fabricated firearm, cartridges and a machete—items the commissioner said were recovered during intensified raids and patrols.
Police Warn Residents to Strengthen Personal Security
CP Jimoh urged residents to be more cautious with their vehicles and personal belongings, especially when engaging newly hired workers. “We advise that car owners avoid leaving their keys with car wash attendants or unfamiliar drivers. Simple precautions can help prevent theft,” he said.
Recent Incident Highlights Ongoing Risks
A recent case reported on November 17 further underscored these concerns. A Lagos developer, Olakanmi Ogundele, reported that his newly hired driver fled with his Gelly Saloon car just four days after resuming duty. The driver, identified as Olufemi Jogbodo, reportedly accompanied his employer on interstate trips before disappearing with the vehicle while Ogundele was attending a meeting.
Police Vow to Maintain Heightened Operations
The commissioner concluded that the force will sustain its security operations into next year, especially around public institutions, major transit points, and areas with high human movement. “We will not relent in ensuring Lagos remains safe,” Jimoh said, assuring that additional patrols, surveillance and intelligence-led interventions would continue in the coming months.
Source:Africa Publicity
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