LAGOS POLICE UNVEIL SECURITY PLAN FOR JULY 12 LG ELECTION, ASSURE VOTERS OF SAFETY

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Lagos State Police Command has outlined a comprehensive security strategy for the upcoming local government elections scheduled to take place on Saturday, July 12, 2025, pledging a peaceful, secure, and credible process across the state.

This assurance was made on Thursday, during a crucial security briefing which took place at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ikeja.

Presiding over the meeting, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, revealed that the command has concluded plans for the deployment of officers and personnel to all 13,325 polling units across the three senatorial districts of Lagos State.

He added that the elections will take place in 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

The Commissioner emphasized that the Nigerian Police Force, supported by other security agencies, including the military and civil defence corps, will operate under a unified election security framework.

Their mandate, he said, includes protecting voters, election materials, officials, and accredited observers and journalists before, during, and after the elections.

“The role of the Nigerian Police Force in securing the electoral process encompasses ensuring the safety of persons, property, and all electoral materials. We are also tasked with protecting INEC officials, party agents, and other accredited stakeholders without bias,” he stated.

He reiterated the force’s obligation to enforce all relevant laws including the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, the Police Act 2020, the Criminal and Penal Codes, and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.

Highlighting the importance of crowd and traffic control, the Commissioner added that officers will be stationed not only at voting centres but across Lagos to ensure general law and order throughout election day.

“Normal daily life must continue. People should feel safe at home, on the streets, and while commuting,” he said.

So far, pre-election activities such as political campaigns, rallies, and party primaries have been peaceful, a development the Commissioner attributed to proactive security planning and effective coordination with political stakeholders under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

To boost public confidence and deter criminal elements, the Police launched a “Show of Force” operation across the state on Thursday, which will continue into Friday.

“This is to assure voters that they can come out without fear and to send a strong warning to anyone intending to cause disruption. We are ready, and any offender will be dealt with according to the law,” he declared.

He also confirmed the support of the Inspector General of Police, who approved the deployment of over 8,000 additional officers from neighbouring states, including specialized units like the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

“We call on parents, guardians, religious and community leaders to prevail on their wards to shun violence and embrace peace,” the Commissioner said.

He warned that anyone apprehended for attempting to disrupt the electoral process will face arrest, investigation, and prosecution.

“Let no one be in doubt: the full weight of the law will be brought down on offenders,” he cautioned.

The police chief concluded by encouraging Lagosians to come out and vote without fear, assuring them of maximum protection throughout the exercise.

“Lagos is ready. The security agencies are ready. We urge every eligible voter to go out and peacefully exercise their civic responsibility on Saturday, July 12,” he said.

The press conference was attended by senior police officers, representatives of other security agencies, and members of the media.

Also in attendance are Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and other top-ranking security personnel.