Francesca Odimgbe
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his government’s commitment to working with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu to improve the security architecture in the state.
The Governor also expressed the willingness of his administration to deepen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for joint operations and sustain efforts to addressing security challenges in the south west of the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, spoke on Monday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the Supervising DIG for the South-West region, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, said the Lagos State Government takes security with utmost seriousness, stating that the State remains the safest across the country.
While appreciating the Inspector General of Police for his continuous support and efforts at making Lagos safe for all, the Governor said his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to security, describing it as a critical pillar of governance in the State.
“We do not joke with security. We are not taking security lightly in Lagos State. We are going to continue to support the police and other security agencies to ensure that Lagos remains the safest State in Nigeria,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Fayoade on his appointment as the Deputy Inspector General of Police and commended officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command for their professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties.
He said the Lagos State Government will continue to provide the necessary support and logistics required to strengthen security operations across the State.
Speaking earlier, DIG Adegoke Fayoade, said the purpose of the visit was to carry out part of the policy thrust of the Inspector General of Police to strengthen operational readiness, strategise on the fight against crimes, and seek for improved logistics support for the Lagos State Police command.
He said findings from the visits would be presented to the Inspector General of Police to enhance operational efficiency and strengthen security across the region.
DIG Fayoade, who previously served in Lagos as Commissioner of Police and Assistant Inspector-General of Police, praised the Lagos State Government for its sustained support for the police, describing the State as a model of security partnership.
He thanked the present administration for its financial and logistics support, among others, in putting modalities in place to tackle security challenges in the state, calling for more stakeholder collaboration on technology and intelligence gathering to ensure a pragmatic approach to addressing crimes in the state.
“The Lagos State Government has been tremendously supportive of the police. Lagos is unique as the economic hub of Nigeria and requires a multi-dimensional approach to security. Technology, intelligence gathering, collaboration among security agencies, and support from residents are essential to tackling crime and other security challenges,” he said.
DIG Fayoade also emphasised the need for continued partnership between government, security agencies, and the public, noting that collective efforts remain critical to safeguarding lives and property in Lagos State.