Taoreed Abdullahi
Are you a roadside mechanic, street vendor, petty thief, pickpocket, or someone involved in activities that disrupt the peace and tranquillity of Ikosi-Isheri? If so, this message is for you: either relocate or face arrest.
The Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area in Lagos has launched a taskforce dedicated to maintaining peace and order.
The taskforce will work continuously to apprehend those who commit crimes, particularly those harming the environment.
At the taskforce’s inaugural ceremony, the Chairman of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area, Princess Samiat Bada, stated that the group would collaborate with other security agencies to share information leading to the arrest of individuals selling goods on roadsides, occupying walkways, and engaging in traffic violations.
Princess Bada said: For years, the people of Ikosi Isheri LCDA have longed for a structured, community-driven security force to support existing efforts in maintaining peace and order in our markets, streets, and public spaces. Today, we are not just launching a task force we are setting a new standard for grassroots security and governance.
“The officers standing before us today are not just recruits they are the finest and most resilient individuals who have endured six months of intense training. During this rigorous period, many who initially joined could not withstand the intensity of the drills and discipline required. They backed out along the way. Only the strongest, the most dedicated, and the truly committed have earned the right to stand here today.These men and women have demonstrated perseverance, mental toughness, and an unwavering commitment to serve our community” She said.
Princess Bada who emphasized that the taskforce would bolster the security measures of the council through patrols, dispute resolution, and protection of government infrastructure, noted that the taskforce, primarily composed of men and women, has completed six months of intensive training to effectively carry out its responsibilities.
The council Chairman said: We are fully aware that security is a shared responsibility. The Lagos State Government, under the leadership of Mr. Governor, has been working tirelessly to strengthen security across the state, with a broader community policing framework in the pipeline. We commend and support these efforts wholeheartedly. However, as a forward-thinking local government, we understand that action must begin at the grassroots. We cannot sit back and wait when the security and well-being of our people are at stake. We have taken this step not in competition, but in collaboration*—to complement the state’s vision and provide immediate solutions to our peculiar challenges here in Ikosi Isheri LCDA.
Princess noted that”This task force has been specially trained to handle issues such as traffic management within our LCDA particularly in high-congestion areas like Ikosi Road.Market and environmental enforcement, ensuring that our public spaces are kept clean and free from obstructions, Security patrols within our communities to curb petty crimes and prevent illegal activities. Dispute resolution and enforcement of local policies with referrals to our Customary Court for cases requiring legal intervention.
She pointed out that “They will not operate as aggressors but as partners in maintaining order. Their duty is to protect, not intimidate. They will work closely with our Baales, market leaders, CDAs, youth groups, and law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated and lawful approach to community safety.
Princess Bada said: To my people of Ikosi Isheri LCDA, this task force is yours. They are here to serve you, but they cannot succeed without your cooperation. I urge all stakeholders—community leaders, transport unions, market associations, and residents—to support, respect, and work hand in hand with them. If we want a safer, cleaner, and more organized Ikosi Isheri, then we must all be willing to play our part.
She appreciated all those who made this initiative a reality—the security experts who trained these officers, the supervisors who monitored their progress, and the community leaders who continuously supported this vision. Most importantly, I salute our officers. You are now ambassadors of discipline and order in Ikosi Isheri LCDA. I charge you to carry out your duties with integrity, fairness, and dedication.The people are watching, and they expect you to lead by example.
The ceremony was attended by traditional rulers, political leaders, officers from the Nigerian Police, the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies.
They offered advice to the taskforce, urging them to be diligent in their duties and to avoid any actions that could disrespect the organization and the state.