‘Lagos Must Set Standard For Policing In Nigeria’

Amid fresh concerns over cult violence, traffic robberies and evolving security threats in Lagos, the coordinating deputy inspector-general of police for the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, has charged officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command to raise the bar in intelligence-driven policing, warning that the state must continue to set the pace for law enforcement in Nigeria.

During his working visit to the command headquarters in Lagos, Fayoade described the state as Nigeria’s economic nerve centre and one of the most challenging policing environments, stressing that law enforcement in Lagos requires adaptability, rapid response, and strong public engagement.

“Lagos State remains the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and one of the most complex policing environments in the country. With a population of over 20 million people and its cosmopolitan nature, the State presents unique and dynamic security realities that require a highly structured, responsive, and adaptive policing approach,” he said.

The DIG representing the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, noted that policing in Lagos extends beyond crime-fighting, adding that traffic management remains critical to maintaining order and public safety.

“In Lagos, traffic management is not just a regulatory responsibility but a core aspect of maintaining public order and security. Effective traffic control and enforcement play a critical role in preventing disorder and supporting overall policing efforts within the State,” Fayoade stated.

He commended the leadership of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, for what he described as resilience and operational effectiveness in tackling armed robbery, cultism and other criminal activities.

“I am pleased with the work he has continued to do, and I have full confidence in his leadership of this Command,” Fayoade said.

The DIG also lauded the support of the Lagos State Government under Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for strengthening police operations through logistics and welfare support, particularly in establishing the Violent Crime Response Unit.

He, however, warned officers that the standards of policing in Lagos must remain exceptionally high.

“You must continue to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance visibility policing, and sustain proactive deployments across all formations. Discipline, professionalism, and accountability must remain the foundation of your operations,” he said.

Earlier, the State’s commissioner of police, Fatai, disclosed that the command had recorded breakthroughs in crime prevention since he assumed office on 26 March 2026, revealing that serious crimes such as cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping had significantly declined.

According to him, the command foiled 28 armed robbery incidents, arrested 71 robbery suspects and 133 suspected cultists, while 44 murder cases were reported with 35 suspects arrested.