New Lagos Police Commissioner Harps On Community Engagement

The new Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has said community engagement would remain central to policing efforts under his watch in the state, stressing the need to build trust between the police and the public.

He stated this in his inaugural address at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, describing his appointment as “not only a privilege but a call to service, responsibility, and accountability to the millions of residents who rely on the Nigeria Police Force for safety and security.”

He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the confidence reposed in him, while also commending his predecessor, AIG Olorundare Jimoh, for his contributions to maintaining law and order in the state.

“The command will sustain and build upon the existing security architecture and operational strategies already emplaced,” he said.

He, however, acknowledged the complexities of policing a megacity like Lagos, even as he noted that the state’s status as Nigeria’s economic hub presents unique and complex security challenges, while the Command is fully prepared to confront them.

“We are fully aware that a secured environment is fundamental to economic growth and public confidence, and we are prepared to meet these challenges head-on,” he stated.

The CP assured residents that the command would adopt proactive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based policing strategies to address security threats. He gave a stern warning that criminal elements and violators of the law will find no safe haven in Lagos.

“We will continue to build trust, deepen cooperation, and encourage residents to see the Police as partners in progress, as our collaboration with the media would also be strengthened to ensure timely, accurate, and responsible information dissemination,” he added.

CP Tijani said the command would prioritise youth engagement through constructive interactions to prevent crime and promote mutual respect.

Similarly, he underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, as the Command would work closely with the Military, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, and Nigeria Immigration Service to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

While addressing officers and men of the command, the CP declared that discipline, professionalism and integrity will be non-negotiable, stressing that all operations would be guided by the rule of law and respect for human rights.