The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of robust and comprehensive security arrangements ahead of the upcoming local government elections scheduled across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Olohundare Jimoh, made this known during a press briefing in Ikeja, emphasizing the Command’s readiness to guarantee a peaceful, credible, and hitch-free electoral process across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
“Our operational order is already out. Deployment of personnel has commenced, and every strategic location has been mapped out. We have held multiple planning meetings with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) and security partners to ensure no gap exists in our coverage,” CP Jimoh said.
He further revealed that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of additional personnel to Lagos from neighboring states. Although specific figures were not disclosed for security reasons, the CP noted that the reinforcement runs into thousands, along with vital anti-riot equipment and other logistics.
“This support will supplement our existing strength. Lagos already commands one of the largest police formations in the country, but we are not leaving anything to chance,” he added.
To ensure seamless coordination, the police have activated the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), bringing together all relevant federal security and safety agencies operating in the state. CP Jimoh stated that the committee has convened multiple times to finalize an integrated deployment strategy, which includes land and marine operations, especially for riverine and coastal communities.
“We’ve conducted extensive threat assessments and identified areas of concern. These locations have been prioritized for close monitoring. Our Marine Police have also been mobilized to patrol both urban and rural waterfront areas to deter any disruptions,” he said.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of public participation, noting that Lagos has over six million registered voters with collected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He encouraged citizens to exercise their franchise confidently, assuring them of a safe environment.
“Our security plan spans three phases—pre-election surveillance, election day protection, and post-election stabilization. We are fully prepared for all scenarios, including celebrations or possible fallout after results are declared,” he said.
On the issue of movement restrictions, CP Jimoh disclosed that a decision would be announced after further consultations with stakeholders this week.
Importantly, he warned that only recognized federal security agencies under ICCES are authorized to participate in election security duties. “No quasi-security outfits or local vigilante groups will be permitted to operate on election day. If they have concerns or observations, they must report them to the appropriate authorities,” he cautioned.
To ensure rapid response across the state, a centralized Control Room will operate from the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters. It will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) and include representatives from all security and paramilitary agencies.
CP Jimoh expressed confidence in the preparedness of LASIEC and called on political actors, party supporters, and the general public to abide by the rules and cooperate fully with security agencies.
“We are committed to delivering a secure and credible electoral exercise. Let everyone go out and vote peacefully. Our officers are on ground to protect lives, property, and the integrity of the process,” he concluded.
The local government election in Lagos is widely regarded as a grassroots exercise of democracy and will be contested by candidates from 15 registered political parties.
Reporting by Niran Odufayo