Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Oluwole Edgal, has ordered the police to shoot on sight anyone found with firearms in Igando, Egan, Akesan and Obadore areas of Lagos state.
The order followed report that armed robbers had issued a ‘Notice to strike’ the area reported by New Telegraph Newspaper.
Mr. Edgal, during his emergency security meeting with members of the community in Igando Monday declared a temporary curfew between 12 am and 4 am in the area, saying anyone found outdoors within the restricted time would be arrested.
Also, a team of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) would be attached at the Obadore area Police Station, urging them to respond with fire to any suspects in possession of firearms.
Also, the Commissioner made other changes to improve the security situation in that area, as an officer that knows and understand the terrain has been put in place to replace the former DPO of the Igando Station.
“I called this emergency meeting because of my style of policing, which is community policing and safety partnership. I believe that we have a security problem, we can solve it together. It has come to my notice that the good people of this community are being troubled by hoodlums, so I am here to put in place measures to counter them”.
“I know the DPO here has been working hard but he will be given more responsibility, as I am here with a new DPO who will be briefed and charged with the responsibility of working with you so that we don’t have challenges.
“The new DPO will also send me the list of all policemen in Igando and I will make sure that those that have spent up to three years will be transferred elsewhere.
“I am not a policeman that sits in the office. I am here so that we can identify the hotspots. Where are these hoodlums coming from, because it was not like this before?
“Today, before I leave here, the traditional ruler or the local government chairman must provide us a place to station the FSARS.
“In addition, two brand new patrol vehicles will be deployed and four serviceable communication sets for emergency and coordination. There will also be six additional pin-down points.
“I also want you to form your own vigilance group. They will be joined by three policemen to patrol the areas at night.”