SECURITY: ADEGOKE FAYOADE ASSUMES DUTY AS NEW LAGOS STATE CP
By Aishat Momoh. O.
….. Promises to rejig the Lagos State Police command
CP Adegoke Mustapha Fayoade, the newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, has vowed to resolve the issues of justice and community safety in Lagos with the utmost passion and commitment.
Fayoade, who just assumed leadership of the state’s police command, unveiled an ambitious plan for the Lagos State Police that prioritises cutting-edge technology, proactive policing tactics, and community involvement.
In his inaugural address, the Commissioner presented his vision for a peaceful and crime-free community that places an emphasis on proactive, practical policing, community involvement, and efficient law enforcement. He stressed that a key component of his vision is his dedication to guaranteeing the safety and security of Lagosians.
Community engagement is one of the key pillars of CP Fayoade. He underlined how important it is for the police to be approachable, responsive, visible, and accountable.
He pointed out that working with local leaders will promote trust-building and a cooperative strategy for resolving issues in the community.
Another crucial area of attention was crime prevention and reduction, as CP Fayoade noted that addressing the problem in a diverse manner can help overcome it.
In order to preserve public confidence, he also underlined police professionalism and accountability, emphasising openness, respect for human rights, and frequent spot checks. He emphasised a reciprocal relationship and asked for respect between the people and police officers.
He however, assured that there will be watertight security during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
Fayoade said that the command was going to work in synergy with other security agencies to secure all areas of Lagos through the air, land, and water and also check the perennial traffic in the state.
“Residents of Lagos should go about their normal businesses; they should enjoy Christmas and the New Year.
“We are going to provide watertight security that will protect lives and properties. Our men will be visible in all areas, fun centres, our patrol will be very effective. Christmas and New Year will be crime-free,” he assured.
CP Fayoade embraced technology and highlighted intentions to improve forensic skills, communication networks, and predictive analytics for proactive crime prevention.
Fayoade, who commended the newsmen for their coverage of events, said they played a crucial role in a democratic society, stressing that they shall collaborate with them transparently for effective dissemination of information on crime, safety measures, and public awareness campaigns initiated by the police.
“As the eyes and ears of the public, we shall welcome constructive criticism of our performance to strengthen our security architecture in the state.
“Police accessibility to the press and members of the public will be given prominence, and more dedicated lines will be released for unhindered accessibility and feedback on issues of community safety and security,” he said.
“Public awareness campaigns, collaboration with sister security agencies, and strengthening community relations are also pivotal components of our strategies,” the Commissioner noted.
“This will be achieved through practical, proactive policing, community engagement, and strict and effective law enforcement strategies. I am determined to create a peaceful and crime-free environment in which all residents of Lagos can flourish.
“Our vision is to be a highly professional and trustworthy police force that serves as a beacon of excellence in maintaining law and order.
“We aim to build a strong partnership with community members, local organisations and law enforcement agencies to foster a safe and secure environment for all and sundry,” he said.
He announced the creation of a dedicated team comprised of individuals who have received the necessary training and equipment and who would collaborate closely with other law enforcement organisations to combat these offences.
The head of police stated that he will work with the legal system to guarantee that perpetrators are prosecuted and found guilty as soon as possible, which will act as a deterrent.
He promised that intelligence collection capacities would be bolstered and that susceptible locations, hotspots, and criminal organisations would be directly targeted in the war.
The head of the police department declared that lawbreakers would be aggressively pursued and made sure that the cops occupied the public area.
“It is pertinent to note that the clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators in prohibited areas, which has led to a drastic reduction in crime and accident cases, will be sustained and intensified.
“Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers will give a daily update on the level of compliance in their areas of responsibility. Other measures will be placed to ensure smooth, total, and strict compliance,” he assured.
Meanwhile, CP Fayoade thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for their provided support, and confidence in him.
He also expressed gratitude to Acting CP DCP Waheed Ayilara and AIG Idowu Omohunwa, his predecessors, for their work in preserving and improving the state’s security framework.
In a statement signed by Benjamin Hundeyin on Thursday, he stated that Idowu Owohunwa, who was recently elevated to the position of Assistant Inspector General of Police and relocated to the AIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, is being replaced by Fayoade.
Fayoade, an Osun State native from Ila-Orangun, reportedly enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992. He graduated from Lagos State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education/History, the University of Lagos with a Master of Public Administration, and the National Open University of Nigeria with an LLB.
He had taken courses both domestically and overseas, such as the Senior Executive Course 45 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos; Adopting Community Policing Ethos in Training Academy, USIP, Washington DC, USA; Leadership and Senior Management Course, Police Staff College, Jos; Leveraging International Police Cooperation Organisations for Countering Violent Extremism, Abu-Dhabi; and Criminal Justice Administration at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York, USA.
The police commissioner won the title of Best Divisional Police Officer in Africa twice, in 2007 and 2013, while serving as the DPO for Victoria Island and Ilupeju, respectively, in The Hague, Netherlands, and Nairobi, Kenya.