LAGOS/Nigeria: The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, has called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to deepen collaboration with security agencies to prevent crime and sustain peace across the state.
Tijani made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ security meeting organised by the Area E Police Command, Festac, Lagos, to address security concerns and strengthen community engagement.
The commissioner described security as a collective responsibility, urging residents to support the police through timely information sharing and active participation in community policing.
“Everybody in the community is to be seen as a security agent because security is very paramount in anything we do,” he said.
Tijani urged residents to be familiar with the people living within their communities and promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the police.
He explained that timely intelligence from residents would enable the police to take proactive measures against crime rather than merely responding after incidents had occurred.
The commissioner also expressed concern over youth involvement in cultism, hooliganism and other forms of criminality, calling on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to take greater responsibility for guiding young people.
He appealed to youths to shun criminal activities and contribute positively to the development and wellbeing of their communities.
“We appeal to our youths to shun crime and other activities capable of undermining peace and security, and to contribute positively to the development and well-being of their communities,” he said.
According to him, the command would sustain its engagement with communities and other stakeholders to identify security challenges and develop practical solutions.
He further advised residents against jungle justice, urging them to resolve disputes through lawful channels and cooperate with the police in maintaining public order.
Tijani stressed the importance of mutual trust between security agencies and the communities they serve, particularly as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
He called on stakeholders to work with the police to promote peaceful political participation and prevent violence before, during and after the elections.
“Peaceful elections and a stable society require the cooperation of all stakeholders and the willingness of citizens to reject violence and other acts capable of disrupting public order,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Olanrewaju Sanusi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies and maintaining a safe environment for residents.
Sanusi noted that meaningful development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity and commended security personnel for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property.
He assured the security agencies of the council’s continued cooperation and urged traditional rulers, Community Development Associations and Committees, religious leaders, landlords, youth organisations, market leaders and residents to maintain open communication with security agencies.
The chairman also called for increased attention to youth unemployment, cultism, drug abuse and other social challenges that could expose young people to criminal activities.
He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen intelligence sharing, community vigilance and rapid response mechanisms, while condemning mob action and jungle justice.
Sanusi urged residents to report security threats responsibly, reject violence and resolve disputes peacefully, assuring them of the council’s commitment to building safer communities.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the police, Community Development Committees, Community Development Associations, traditional institutions, religious organisations, community leaders, market associations, youth groups, transport unions and other security stakeholders.
