Yuletide: Police, Army, others stage show of force across Lagos communities
As part of heightened security preparations for the Yuletide season, security agencies in Lagos on Wednesday embarked on a coordinated Show of Force exercise across major parts of the state.
The operation, led by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, featured personnel of the Joint Military Patrol (OP MESA), the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other allied security formations.
The patrol commenced at the Lagos Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja before moving through Ojota, adjoining communities and the island corridor.
Speaking during the exercise, CP Jimoh said the show of force was designed to reassure both residents and visitors of the state’s readiness to ensure a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration.
He said: “We are doing this to give Lagos residents confidence that everything is peaceful in the command. “The crime rate in Lagos now is very, very low, largely due to the pre-emptive security measures we have put in place.”
He noted that strategic deployments had been made across schools, religious centres, major public spaces and areas considered sensitive during festive activities.
The Commissioner added that security had also been reinforced around human rights organisations in Lagos in commemoration of Human Rights Day, stressing the need to maintain vigilance during the period.
Reiterating the state’s preparedness, he declared: “Lagos is free to come ahead and celebrate.”
Addressing concerns about sustainability beyond the festive season, CP Jimoh explained that the operations would not be restricted to December.
“The show of force and combat patrols have been ongoing for more than a month across all Area Commands and Divisions, and they will be sustained into the new year and beyond,” he said.
He added that the police would continue to raid criminal hideouts and intensify targeted operations that have already led to the arrest and prosecution of hundreds of suspects across the state.
The Lagos Police Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and to cooperate with security operatives to maintain safety throughout the celebrations.