The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has urged residents and stakeholders to strengthen their partnership with the police to tackle insecurity and ensure peaceful coexistence across the state.
Tijani made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ meeting at the Area E Police Command, Festac, Lagos.
According to him, security is a collective responsibility which can not be achieved by the police alone.
The CP urged residents, community leaders, youths and business owners to support security agencies with useful information.
“Effective policing requires active participation of communities, as residents are often in a better position to identify suspicious activities and developments capable of threatening the peace in their neighbourhoods,” he said.
Tijani also urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace, discourage criminal activities and encourage members of their communities to cooperate with the police.
He appealed to youths to shun crime and other activities capable of undermining peace and security, stressing the need for them to contribute positively to the development of their communities.
The CP said the command would continue to engage with communities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to strengthen community policing and improve security across Lagos.
He emphasised the need for residents to promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police rather than taking the law into their hands.
Tijani warned against actions capable of causing disorder or threatening peaceful coexistence, urging residents to resolve disputes through lawful channels.
He said the police remained committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order and ensuring that residents carry out their legitimate businesses without fear.
The commissioner further urged stakeholders to support police officers in the discharge of their duties.
“The success of the state’s security architecture depends on mutual trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve,” he said.
He called for continued dialogue among stakeholders, particularly as the state prepares for the 2027 elections.
According to him, peaceful elections and a stable society require the cooperation of all stakeholders and the willingness of citizens to reject violence and other acts capable of disrupting public order.
Tijani assured residents that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to identify security challenges and develop practical solutions to address them.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Mr Olanrewaju Sanusi, called for a stronger collaboration among the council, residents, community leaders and security agencies to tackle insecurity.
Sanusi commended security personnel for their sacrifices and commitment in protecting lives and property.
He said security remained a priority of his administration, stressing that peace and safety were essential for economic growth, development and the wellbeing of residents.
The chairman urged residents, market leaders, community organisations and other stakeholders to maintain open communication with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities.
He said concerted efforts were in place to address youth unemployment, drug abuse and other social challenges capable of exposing young people to criminal activities.
According to him, effective security requires vigilance, rapid response and collective responsibility, and all stakeholders must work together to make communities safer.
Sanusi assured residents and security agencis of the council’s continued support and commitment to build a safer and more prosperous Amuwo-Odofin(NAN)
