RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos.
No fewer than over 35,000 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force are to deployed to maintain maximum security across Lagos during the Local Government Election slated for Saturday, 12th July 2025.
In addition to the police personnel, military personnel drawn from the Nigeria Army, Navy and other sisters agencies are to also join in the exercise.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh made the disclosure while addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters on Thursday on the security arrangements put in place for the election.
He hinted that the Command is made up of 25, 000 personnel while the rest 10, 000 personnel are drawn from other States, as graciously approved by the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, PhD.
The Police Commissioner however emphasized that the military personnel will not be within the precinct of the polling units.
Jimoh also added that a Special Intervention Squad has been emplaced to swiftly squash any act of thuggery or ballot bux snatching.
According to CP Jimoh, the command has concluded “extensive and meticulous” preparations covering all phases of the election—before, during, and after voting—across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas of Lagos.
“This operational readiness is not by accident but a product of deliberate planning, inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement,” the police boss said.
According to him, the previously announced restriction of vehicular movement has been adjusted. Movement will now be restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day, instead of the earlier time of 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to accommodate emergencies and international travel.
Jimoh noted that personnel from sister agencies including the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed to support police efforts, with secret placements at potential flashpoints and marine patrols covering riverine communities.
He issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters, cautioning against acts of violence, ballot snatching, or attempts to disrupt the polls.
“Anyone caught will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Addressing civil society concerns about potential police bias, the Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s neutrality.
“We are not working for any political party. Our mandate is to protect the process and enforce the law. Any insinuation of bias is unfounded,” he said.
He added that special provisions have been made for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive and secure participation.
Elite tactical units such as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti-Riot Squad, and the Strike Force are on standby to swiftly counter any breach of peace.
“This election is about grassroots governance. The people must be allowed to freely choose their leaders. Lagos is safe, and we are ready to protect the will of the people,” Jimoh said.