The Lagos State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in its fight against crime, recovering 25 stolen vehicles and arresting 21 suspects in a series of coordinated security operations. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, revealed the details at a press briefing held on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, attributing the success to proactive, intelligence-led policing strategies.
This substantial haul underscores the command’s renewed focus on preventing serious and organised crime, particularly armed robbery, kidnapping, and vehicle theft, to ensure public safety across Nigeria’s commercial capital.
A Proactive Strategy Yields Tangible Results
Addressing journalists, Commissioner Jimoh framed the recoveries and arrests as a direct result of initiatives launched at the start of the year. “Our initiatives in crime prevention and intelligence gathering have yielded positive results,” he stated, reaffirming the command’s commitment to “safeguarding lives, property and the rule of law.”
The police boss urged members of the public who have recently had vehicles stolen to come forward with valid proof of ownership to facilitate the return of the impounded assets. The operations also led to the dismantling of criminal networks involved in a spectrum of illegal activities.
Jimoh issued a specific warning regarding individuals posing as fortune-tellers or spiritual advisers, a prevalent scam in the region. These fraudsters, he noted, often deceive citizens using counterfeit currency, forged documents, or false promises of wealth.
The ‘One Chance’ Initiative and Public Vigilance
A cornerstone of the command’s recent success is the reinforced “One Chance” initiative. This targeted operation is designed to prevent and detect criminal activities commonly associated with certain commercial vehicles, particularly robbery, fraud, and the very vehicle thefts now being addressed.
The Commissioner advised residents to remain exceptionally vigilant. “These vehicles are fitted with distinct colours and markings. The public should report any unusual activity immediately,” he cautioned, referring to vehicles often used by gangs who operate by picking up unsuspecting passengers before robbing them. He emphasised that the command’s defensive and intelligence-led posture is designed to deter crime and apprehend offenders before they can harm the public.
Ensuring Security in Educational Institutions
Beyond vehicular crime, Commissioner Jimoh detailed extensive measures to guarantee safety within the state’s educational institutions. He announced the establishment of a comprehensive School Support System, with dedicated coverage for the Lagos West, Lagos East, and Lagos Central senatorial districts.
This initiative involves increased patrols and direct coordination with school management to create secure learning environments. “This allows students to carry out academic activities without fear,” Jimoh explained. He addressed a recent, isolated security threat targeting schools, confirming that it involved a single individual whose actions had been successfully contained. “All schools in Lagos State are safe,” he asserted, while urging school proprietors and managers to maintain vigilance and cooperate fully with police efforts.
Enhanced Policing Measures and Technological Deployment
To sustain this security momentum, the Lagos Police Command is implementing enhanced policing measures. These include the strategic deployment of additional personnel and advanced operational devices to monitor public spaces, hospitals, transit points, and schools, with particular attention to night-time security.
The command has established specialised patrol units and employed technical monitoring systems to pre-empt threats. Furthermore, Jimoh revealed the deployment of acoustic and technical units across Lagos, supported by the installation of camera surveillance systems in key areas to create a robust security monitoring network.
A Call for Sustained Public Cooperation
Commissioner Jimoh concluded his address with a firm call for continued partnership between the police and the community. He encouraged all citizens to actively support law enforcement by providing credible, timely information that could aid investigations and strengthen communal security. This collaborative approach is viewed as essential for maintaining the gains achieved.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Lagos State Police Command to its core mandates: maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and secure metropolis for all its residents and visitors. The recovery of 25 vehicles and arrest of 21 suspects stands as a testament to this commitment and a clear warning to criminal elements operating within the state.
