RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos.
Criminals in Lagos will henceforth face a tough battle from the Police, as the new Commissioner of Police in the state CP Adegoke Fayoade has vowed that the Command will take the battle frontally to their door steps.
CP Fayoade, who read the riot act in his maiden speech while assuming office on Thursday, at the Command headquarters Ikeja, said the battle will be taking to the hotspots and vulnerable areas, while offenders will be aggressively pursued, with a view to reducing public apprehension and enhance the overall quality of life for the citizens.
He disclosed that a specialized unit made up of well trained and properly equipped personnel will be established to work closely with other law enforcement agencies that will confront the crimes.
CP Fayoade added the Command shall collaborate with the judiciary to ensure swift prosecution and conviction of criminals to serve as deterrence.
He said the strategy for addressing crime in Lagos will encompass a multifaceted approach, adding that the Command will place strong emphasises on proactive measures to prevent criminal activities.
Additionally, CP Fayoade disclosed that he will rejig the Command to make it more responsive in the fight against all forms of criminalities.
The new Police Boss posited that identified areas prone to criminal activities shall adequately be taken care of and given special attention.
He assured of his determination to create a peaceful and crime free environment in which all residents of Lagos can flourish.
CP Fayoade said this will be achieved through practical, proactive policing, community engagement, strict and effective law enforcement strategies.
On the strategy to be adopted for the exercise, he said, ” Our comprehensive strategy will involve identifying and transforming identified hotspots into soft spot or safer areas, effectively turning potential trouble zones into secure and peaceful community hubs.
” A special focus will be on these crimes as they negatively impact our citizens and society. A specialized unit made up of well trained and properly equipped personnel will be established to work closely with other law enforcement agencies that will confront these crimes.
” We shall collaborate with the judiciary to ensure swift prosecution and conviction of criminals to serve as deterrence.
Intelligence gathering capabilities will be strengthened. Our men will take battle frontally to the criminal elements, hotspots and vulnerable areas and aggressively pursue violators of law and ensure the public space is dominated by our men. Identified areas prone to this category of criminal activities shall adequately be taken care of and given special attention.
” It is pertinent to note that the clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators in prohibited areas, which has led to drastic reduction of crime and accident cases will be sustained and intensified.
” Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers will give daily update on the level of compliance in their area of responsibility. Other measures will be emplaced to ensure smooth, total and strict compliance”.
In addition, Fayoade hinted that Special Police Neighbourhood Squad shall be established to respond to incident promptly, while public awareness programmes will be emplaced to help individuals understand the consequences of criminal behaviour and empower them to make choice.
This, according to him, will involve campaigns and workshops against drug abuse, violence and other criminal activities, while efforts will also be made to re-orientate the general public on the importance of swift reportage of crime and criminal activities in their area, by collaborating with media houses.