Lagos State Police Command has announced plans to intensify operations targeting blind spots in the Obalende area of Lagos.
Gatekeepers News reports that the announcement was made by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Tijani Fatai, during a town hall meeting held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja. The meeting coincided with the observance of the 2025 National Police Day and aimed to foster communication between law enforcement and key community stakeholders.
Attendees included members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Police Eminent Persons Forum, Community Development Committees (CDCs), religious leaders, traditional rulers, and various other representatives from the community.
During the discussions, participants addressed issues pertaining to security enhancement in Lagos State, sharing concerns and recommendations designed to improve policing efforts further. The stakeholders expressed appreciation for the proactive measures taken by the Lagos State Police Command, noting that such initiatives have significantly contributed to maintaining peace and safety in the region.
Additionally, the meeting highlighted the crucial contributions of traditional and religious leaders, as well as civil society organizations, in bridging the divide between law enforcement and the communities they serve. One participant specifically raised concerns regarding the presence of illicit drug sellers in Obalende, calling on the police to take appropriate action.
Responding, Fatai, who represented the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, said: “We always keep our eyes on Obalende. We have carried out a series of raids in Obalende, but the place is a large area, and after clearing an area, another camp springs up.
“Everybody wants to come to Lagos because they believe it is the safest place with an easier life, but we will continue to do what we have been doing.
“We are not going to relent as we will continue to raid them to ensure that drug addiction is contained. ”
On patrol vehicles, he said: “The state government has donated some vehicles, and the government also promised to give more to all the divisions.
“Police vehicles run 24 hours, but the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) have been saddled to maintain the vehicles. The community should assist the DPOs.
“I want to implore CDC chairmen to focus on the objectives of their creation by bringing governance to the grassroots.
“The CDAs and the CDCs are not doing enough; they should talk to their chairmen about what is lacking.
“We should be able to contribute to our communities.
“The Baales should have data on people living in their communities, which will help us secure the area.
“The Lagos State Police Command remains dedicated to fostering strong community relationships and working in partnership with all stakeholders to keep Lagos safe.”
In his remarks, the Baale, Kirikiri, Apapa, Chief Babalola Shabi advised the DPOs against allowing illegal gatherings.
According to him, the DPOs should be aware of any meeting in their jurisdiction to send an officer to the gathering.
“Often robbery and cultism are planned in illegal gatherings. The police should be present in gatherings. I warn Baales, who allows people to smoke illicit drugs into their palaces. I will gladly welcome them at the gate of Kirikiri Correctional Facility.”
On herders-farmers clash, he said: “There is an insider collaboration in any attack. The attacks could be because they are dragging farmlands, and the opponents invite herders to help them dislodge their rivals.”
