Monday, June 15, 2026

The Sun Nigeria

Lagos CP’s people-centred approach making impact –Odita

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Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh

By Christopher Oji

Security analyst and media executive, Odita Sunday, has commended the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, for his dogged fight against crime and criminality.

Odita, MD/CEO of Razor Media Group, said Jimoh’s people-centred approach has made security management in Lagos more inclusive, transparent and effective.

Odita, who was speaking during a meeting with Jimoh at the police command’s headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday, said, as a good observer, he has noticed that, since Jimoh took over command, crime rate in the state has nosedived to the barest minimum, “This is because Jimoh leads by example. You will see him personally leading operations. He practices what he is preaching. Nobody can fault the CP as he is always in the forefront of every operation.

“Whenever there is a crisis, you see him on the spot. The approach to crises is superb. His response time is so encouraging that we have a working and proactive policing,” he said.

The visit, described by observers as a bridge between information and impact, reinforced how constructive journalism can complement reform-minded policing.

But even amid accolades, the Lagos State Police Command has its burdens. Several officers quietly admit that “morale remains fragile,” constrained by economic hardship and welfare gaps. Long hours, emotional toll, and delayed allowances often leave them drained.

Odita described the engagement as “more than a courtesy call,” noting that it was a gesture of respect and appreciation for the commissioner’s exemplary leadership and commitment to innovative, people-centred policing in Lagos State.

“Since assuming office, CP Jimoh has redefined policing in Lagos through discipline, intelligence-led operations and community engagement,” Odita said. “Under his leadership, we have witnessed a measurable reduction in violent crimes, improved police-community relations and renewed public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.”

He commended the commissioner for recognizing the media as a strategic ally in the fight against crime, citing his open-door policy and constructive relationship with journalists as a model for transparent policing.

“At RazorNews, we believe that security and the media are twin pillars of social stability, the police safeguard lives and property, while the media enlighten and hold society accountable. When these two sectors work together in trust, society becomes safer and more informed,” Odita added.

The RazorNews boss also lauded the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for his leadership and support to commands nationwide, which he said has strengthened operational efficiency and fostered a culture of accountability within the force.

“We salute the CP’s professionalism and the IGP’s vision. RazorNews remains committed to fair, factual and peace-driven reportage that builds public trust and strengthens collaboration between the media and law enforcement,” he affirmed.

In his response, CP Jimoh Moshood thanked Odita and his team for their visit and praised his professionalism and dedication to balanced journalism.

“You have been a voice of truth, direct, constructive and objective. Even your criticisms are purposeful. The media is a mirror through which we assess ourselves, and that makes this partnership invaluable,” the CP stated.

He emphasized that the media plays a vital role in shaping public perception of security efforts, noting that collaboration between journalists and law enforcement is central to building mutual trust and maintaining peace in Lagos.

Highlighting key achievements since he assumed office, CP Jimoh credited the IGP’s support for enabling innovations such as the establishment of the Coast Guard Force, a special initiative to enhance maritime security across Lagos and adjoining coastal communities.

“With the IGP’s backing, we expanded our patrol teams from five to 10, improving both coastal and inland security coordination. His leadership has been instrumental to every milestone we’ve achieved,” he said.

The CP further listed notable successes under his administration, including the dismantling of criminal networks, arrest of high-profile armed robbers and land grabbers, and the peaceful conduct of recent political activities in Lagos.

“Despite early fears, Lagos recorded one of its most peaceful election seasons in recent history. No lives lost, no property destroyed, that’s the result of coordinated strategy, police discipline and responsible media reportage,” he noted.

He also revealed that the command has expanded its tactical squads from 23 to 33 units, leading to a significant decline in kidnapping, container hijacking, and other organized crimes.

“We appreciate the cooperation of the media. Your balanced coverage inspires our officers to give their best. With continued partnership, Lagos will remain a beacon of safety and progress,” Jimoh concluded.

The event, witnessed by notable media and security figures, including Sir Emma Nnadozie, Crime Editor of Vanguard Newspaper; Hyacinth Nwafor, publisher of Hybrid News; and ACP Idowu Jaiyeoba, underscored the growing synergy between journalists and law enforcement.

It reaffirmed that sustainable peace and development thrive where information, transparency, and collaboration are prioritized.

As Nigeria advances in its democratic and security evolution, the partnership between visionary leaders like CP Jimoh Moshood, journalists like Odita, and the pragmatic leadership of the IGP continues to prove that when truth and duty align, society moves forward.

CP Moshood acknowledged this truth. “We are human before we are officers,” he said. “Our courage must be sustained by care.”

In recent months, he has pushed for better welfare packages, periodic counselling sessions, and recognition for outstanding service. The goal, he insists, is not just to secure Lagos – but to “heal those who secure it.”

Security analysts say Lagos’s current stability is not accidental; it is engineered. From predictive policing technology to intensified community dialogue, the command’s operational map has inspired other states.

Odita gave instances of CP Jimoh’s achievements, saying, during the President’s recent visit and several international events, not a single major security incident was recorded, a rarity in a city of over 20 million people.

The model, experts argue, could guide national reform, if institutionalised: “preventive intelligence, humane enforcement, and civic inclusion.”

As dusk settles over Ikeja, the police headquarters hums with quiet activity – a symbol of continuity, not complacency. CP Jimoh Moshood remains at his desk, reviewing reports, signing briefings, and occasionally stepping out to greet junior officers.

His words, calm yet determined, echo through the halls.

The CP, who appreciated the visit to his office, said the accolades that he received from the media would spur him to do more and police with integrity, “We are not resting. Our mission is to make Lagos the safest commercial hub in Africa and we are on that path.”

For a city once haunted by the sound of sirens and fear of the unknown, this renewed trust feels almost revolutionary.

And for the Lagos State Police Command, the message is clear: security is not merely the absence of crime, it is the presence of peace, empathy, and purpose.

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