LAGOS POLICE DISMISS FALSE CRIME REPORTS, REAFFIRM SAFETY AMID INCREASED SURVEILLANCE

January 20, 2025

Read Time:1 Minute, 4 Second

The Lagos State Police Command has rejected claims of rising crime rates in the state, despite the presence of CCTV surveillance systems, as published in a recent Guardian Newspaper article. The story, which first surfaced in July 2024, was republished on January 20, 2025, without updates to reflect the current crime situation in Lagos.

The police have strongly refuted the allegations, asserting that the information presented is outdated and misleading. According to recent data, Lagos was recognized as the safest state in Nigeria in late 2024, with over 500,000 visitors entering the state during the December holiday period, and a near-zero crime rate reported during this time.

In a statement, the Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olanrewaju Ishola, highlighted the effectiveness of the state’s CCTV system, which has played a key role in preemptively identifying and apprehending criminals. He emphasized that the absence of these incidents in the media should not be interpreted as a lack of action by law enforcement.

CP Ishola condemned the publication’s decision to release an outdated story that he believes could cause unnecessary panic. He urged the public to disregard the claims and assured both residents and visitors that significant resources have been allocated to ensure the ongoing safety and security of all in the state.