The Lagos State Police Command has rolled out a robust security plan to ensure a safe and peaceful Eid el-Kabir celebration across the state.
This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh.
According to the statement, the CP has ordered the deployment of various tactical and conventional police teams across the state to preempt and prevent any form of criminal activity during the festive period.
The statement partly read, “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.”
It added that to strengthen operational coverage, the commissioner also deployed highly trained officers from the Force’s elite units.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical squad officers from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Department, Anti-Bomb Squad, and conventional teams across the state, with Armoured Personnel Carriers and other vehicular patrol teams, to focus strictly on providing security and protection at all Eid praying grounds, mosques and religious facilities, venues of gatherings and celebrations, and other areas of recreation, in order to ensure the safety and security of Muslim faithful and other non-Muslims who will be joining in the celebrations”, the statement further stated.
The command also assured Lagosians that key public areas would be closely monitored, stating, “Particular security attention is focused on recreation centres and other public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated. These spaces will be thoroughly policed to ensure effective crowd control, traffic management, and ease of movement across Lagos State.
“Additional proactive measures are being implemented to prevent crimes, ensure prompt detection of criminal activity, and address any emerging security concerns across the state.”
The statement further added that maintaining peace throughout the celebration remains a top priority for the Lagos Police Command, stating, “The maintenance of public order before, during, and after the festivities remains the utmost priority of the Command. The Lagos State Police will lead, coordinate, and work in close synergy with other security and safety agencies in the state that complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining internal security—such as the military, paramilitary agencies, LASTMA, and other relevant departments of the state—to ensure the safety and protection of all Lagosians and visitors during the festivities and beyond.”
It also explained that officers have been directed to operate professionally while respecting citizens’ rights.
“To ensure the success of these security arrangements, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has mandated all officers and personnel of the Command to discharge their duties with utmost professionalism, courtesy, and respect for the rights of all citizens.
“They are to be polite, professional, and firm in the discharge of their duties during the period, regardless of their assigned roles or locations,” it added.
The commissioner further called on residents to support the police in ensuring a safe celebration.
“The Commissioner of Police, therefore, implores all Lagosians to be law-abiding, tolerant, and cooperative with police officers in the discharge of these responsibilities.
“Parents and guardians are also urged to prevail on their children and wards to remain law-abiding and to 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 to any disorderly individuals or groups of miscreants whose actions may constitute a disturbance of the peace or a violation of the rights of others during and after the Sallah celebration,” the statement added.
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.
