By John Ogunsemore
The Lagos State Police Command has intensified security arrangements to ensure hitch-free and peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in the state.
This is contained in a Thursday statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, directed the immediate deployment of personnel from the Rapid Response Squad, Eko Strike Force, and other tactical units to strategic locations, black spots, criminal hideouts, and flashpoints.
Hundeyin said, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the immediate deployment of conventional police personnel, the Rapid Response Squad, the Eko Strike Force, and other tactical squads of the Nigeria Police Force to all strategic locations across the length and breadth of Lagos State.
“Special anti-crime prevention teams have also been deployed to identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and other flashpoints to prevent crimes and criminality throughout the state, build public confidence, and dispel the fear of crime from the minds of all Lagosians and visitors alike, to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration during this festive season and beyond.”
He added, “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical squads officers from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Department, Anti-bomb squads, and conventional teams across the state, with armoured personnel carriers and other vehicular patrol teams, to strictly focus and provide security and protection at all Eid praying grounds,Mosques and religious facilities, venues of gatherings and celebrations, and other area of recreations so as to guarantee safety and adequate security and protection of the Muslim faithfuls and other people of opposite religious throughout the State who will be joining our Muslim community in the celebration.”
The police spokesman said particular security attention is placed and focused on recreation centres, and other public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated.
He noted that these spaces would be properly policed to ensure effective crowd control, traffic management and ease of access and movement throughout Lagos State.
“Additional proactive measures and approaches are being implemented aimed at crimes prevention, prompt detection of criminalities in the entire areas of Lagos State. These measures will also nip in the bud any other security concerns that may arise.
“The maintenance of public order before, during, and after the festivities will be our utmost priority for the Command,” Hundeyin added.
He said the Lagos State Police would lead,coordinate and work in good synergy with various other security and safety agencies in the state that are statutorily complementing the efforts of the police force in the internal security of the state, such as the military, the paramilitary agencies, the LASTMA and all other departments of the state in ensuring adequate security, safety and protection of all Lagosians and visitors alike during the festivities and beyond.
“To achieve remarkable success of these security arrangements, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has mandated all officers and other personnel of the Command to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism, courtesy and politeness in ensuring that the rights of all citizens are respected.
“They are to be courteous, polite, professional but firm in carrying out their official duties and other obligations during the period in whatever capacity and wherever they are posted.
“The Commissioner of Police, therefore wishes to implore all Lagosians to be law-abiding, tolerant, respect and cooperate with the Police Officers in the discharge of these responsibilities.
“Parents and guardians are implored to prevail on their Children and wards to be law abiding and resist any attempt to be used to disturb the Public peace before, during and after the celebration.The full weight of the law will be applied on disorderly individuals or group of miscreants whose actions can constitute disturbance of the peace and violation of the rights of people of the State during the Sallah celebration and beyond.”
Lagosians were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity and reach out in case of emergencies.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, further encourages Lagosians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station for immediate response and action.
“In case of any emergency, the Lagos State Police Command’s control rooms can be reached via 08063299264 and 08065154338,” the statement added.