The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has called for stronger collaboration between the police, community leaders and market associations to enhance security across the state. The Commissioner made the remarks during an interactive session with stakeholders, where he addressed concerns on policing, logistics and community-police relations.
CP Jimoh recalled examples from other states where demolished police stations were swiftly rebuilt through communal support, stressing that such cooperation was essential for effective policing. He cited an instance in Abuja where a police station demolished around the AYA Roundabout was replaced with an even bigger facility, urging Lagos communities to adopt similar commitment.
He also cautioned legal practitioners involved in obstructing police processes, noting that some matters escalated unnecessarily because complaints were ignored at early stages. “If you listened and resolved issues when they first came, many cases would not reach the level they do,” he said.
CP urged residents to report irregularities promptly and avoid obstructing police investigations.
While acknowledging gaps in operational tools, he assured stakeholders that abandoned police patrol vehicles across divisions would be identified and repaired. He instructed officers to submit lists of grounded vehicles, warning against attempts to hide or prepare them for auction.
“I have spent nine months in office without approving a single auction. Any abandoned patrol vehicle will be fixed and returned to the road. We must maintain what we have,” he said.
Market Associations Challenged to Provide Patrol Vehicles
Responding to concerns from the leadership of Alaba International Market and Trade Fair Complex, the CP emphasized that the marketbeing major international commercial hubs—should contribute more to security logistics. He challenged the Alaba market president to provide at least three new patrol vehicles for policing activities within the area.
Similarly, he urged the ASPANDA and other trade fair associations to donate at least two vehicles each to improve mobility and patrol coverage.
The Commissioner praised the efforts of some local government chairmen who had already donated vehicles, citing recent donations of five patrol vans by the Bariga Local Government. He challenged other councils—particularly in Mushin and Ojo—to match or exceed such support.
Youth Inclusion and Police–Community Partnership
CP Jimoh also appealed to the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to open its doors to youth membership, stressing that young people possess the energy and resources needed to strengthen community-police collaboration.
“The police are no longer just your friends; we are your partners in everything you do. Allow the youth to join. They have the energy and they can contribute meaningfully,” he said.
The Commissioner concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Lagos Police Command to improving public safety, ensuring transparency and strengthening trust between the police and communities across the state.