Stakeholders in the security sector have called for an urgent reorientation of Lagos residents in order to take proactive measures on effective safety and efficient security measures to protect the lives and properties of fellow citizens.
The call was made at a forum organised by the Centre for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in conjunction with the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) on Citizen Accountability Rights Forum at a stakeholders meeting to address ‘Safety and Security’ in Lagos State amid its efficiency and effectiveness and challenges.
Speaking at the event, President, CDHR, Debo Adeniran, disclosed that part of the salient issues residents had relayed to the CSO, included challenges they encounter with a section of the state’s security agencies who exert brute force, thereby encroaching and endangering their lives in the process.
He said: “Some of the issues thrown to the security agencies for clarification include; why using brute force to extract confessional statements from suspects, chasing motorists who allegedly contravened the law to their untimely death, extortion of motorists even if their documents are correct, difficulty in getting an international passport, the activities of touts, the brutality of the military on civilians, operations of the military in civilian areas, the Fire Service not responding to calls for fire outbreaks, response time taking too long, and many others.”
He reiterated that the event is a bold step in CDHR and CACOL’s commitment to contribute to creating a peaceful atmosphere between the people on the demand side of governance in Lagos State and those on the supply side.
The platform was organised to create an avenue where the implementers and the beneficiaries of various government policies would come together to explain, elucidate, and expatiate on areas of concern for the citizenry to harmonise different opinions on policies that are being implemented in the State.
Commenting on the efficiency and effectiveness of security in Lagos, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration in Lagos State, Ismail Ahmed, buttressed that there will be no safety without security if the nation allows all foreigners to come into the country without adequately vetting their purpose, as this endangers the life of every Nigerian.
Ahmed noted that there must be synergy between other security agencies, as the Immigration shares intelligence with other agencies on the activities of irregular migrants, to ensure the security and safety of residents of the State.
He stated that part of the delays in issuance of passports is the National Identification Number (NIN) introduced by the government and logistical constraints.
He said: “The minister of interior has introduced a system that there will be no interface between officers and applicants.”
On the delays in obtaining an international passport, “That is the major problem we are having. We don’t produce the booklets here. It is brought from abroad. We have technical partners. There are certain things we cannot do.”
He, however, canvassed that the agency should be part of Lagos State Security Trust Fund to enable it to discharge its responsibility to the maximum level.
The Police representative, SP Ajayi Adebayo, asserted that the era of torturing suspects was gone in Nigeria, as the Police engage a human face in seeking confession and attracting information from the public.
“With the 2017 Anti-Torture Act, Nigeria police do not engage in torturing suspects during investigation,” he stated.
On his part, FRSC’s representative, Ogunmefun Wasiu, condemned chasing traffic offenders, as officials are sanctioned since that is against the professional procedure for road safety.
Also, agencies like the Nigeria Covil Defence Corps(NCDC), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) with other stakeholders and participants emphasised that the safety and security of the lives and properties of Nigerians should be a responsibility that everyone must play their part by collaborating with relevant security agencies.
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