By Augustine Ehikioya
To ensure a smooth celebration of the Easter festivity in Lagos State, the State Police Command has mobilised various Units to be on duty throughout the State.
Apart from equipment and gadgets, personnel were also massively deployed across the State.
Among the Units deployed included the Police Mobile Force Units (PMF), the State Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Police Explosive Ordnance Detachment (EOD ).
Others are Counter Terrorism Units (CTU), Special Protection Units (SPU) and Other Task Forces, K9 Units and Police Mounted Troops Units, Tactical Squads and Other Crime Prevention and Control Operational Detachments with logistics throughout the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, according to a statement by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin,
Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner Of Police,
Lagos State Command , and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA), ordered the “immediate deployment of Conventional Police personnel, the Elite Strike Forces and Tactical units of Nigeria Police Force to all strategic locations across the length and breadth of Lagos State including the identified black spots and flash points to prevent crime and criminality, remove fear of crimes from the mind of all Lagosians and visitors alike, and ensure hitch-free Easter celebrations this year and beyond.”
It added “Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical units 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 on all Churches and throughout the State, venues of celebrations, ceremonies, and other area of recreations so as to guarantee safety and maximum protection of the Christian faithfuls and other religious people who will be joining our Christian community in the celebration.”
It also noted that particular security attention will be placed and focused on recreation centers and other public spaces where large gatherings are anticipated.
“These spaces are going to be properly policed.” it stated.
The Command explained that the proactive measures and approaches are aimed at preventing crimes and criminalities in the general area of Lagos State.
This, it said, will also nip in the bud any other security breaches that may arise, stressing that the maintainance of public order before, during, and after the festivities will be its utmost priority.
“The Lagos State Police will coordinate and work in synergy with other security and safety agencies in the State that are statutorily complementing the efforts of the Nigeria 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 firmness, 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 their Police Officers in the discharge of these responsibilities.
“He further encourages Lagosians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest Police Station for immediate response and actions. In case of any need, the Lagos State Police Command’s control rooms can be reached via 08063299264 and 08065154338.
“In line with the Command’s determination and commitment to professionalism and accountability, residents are urged to report any instances of Police misconduct or Complaints can be submitted through the Lagos State Command Complaint Response Unit via the website lagos.npf.gov.ng, WhatsApp at 09111111151, or by phone call at 09111111150.” the statement stated.
It urged parents and Guardians to prevail on their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used to cause any disturbance of the peace and tranquillity currently being enjoyed throughout the State.
“As the joy of the celebrations permeate across the Christian Communities in the State, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, on behalf of the entire Officers and other personnel of the Command gladly join all the Christian faithfuls in the State in the celebration and fervently wish them sustainable peace, love and joy associated with the Holy ceremony and Happy Easter.” the statement stated.
