The Lagos State Police Command has increased security presence in schools, religious centres, and other public places to prevent potential threats, according to Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh.
Speaking at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Jimoh assured residents that Lagos remains safe, noting that the heightened patrols will continue through the ember months and into the New Year.
“We want everyone in Lagos to know that the state is safe. Additional personnel have been deployed to schools, places of worship, and other high-traffic areas to guarantee the safety of all residents and visitors. This security reinforcement will continue into the New Year and beyond,” he said.
He explained that efforts are ongoing to expand the tactical squad across all local government areas. The move follows a series of security incidents recorded recently in states such as Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger.
Jimoh also raised concerns over a growing trend of stolen vehicles in Lagos, linking many of the cases to newly hired drivers and car wash attendants. During the briefing, he paraded 10 recovered luxury vehicles and disclosed that 56 suspects had been arrested for various offences.
“These successes are the result of our sustained operations. Many of the stolen vehicles were taken by newly employed drivers or car wash workers who absconded with them,” he said.
He urged residents to be more vigilant, especially when entrusting their vehicles to strangers. “We must avoid leaving our car keys with attendants or unfamiliar workers. This small step can prevent vehicle theft,” he added.
Among the recovered vehicles were a white Toyota Hilux, white Range Rover SUV, black Land Cruiser, silver Lexus GX460, silver Honda CR-V, grey Toyota Corolla SM3, another Toyota Corolla with registration number JJJ 887, and a Boxer Bajaj motorcycle used in a robbery attempt.
The police also displayed weapons seized from suspects, including four locally made pistols, a cut-to-size shotgun, cartridges, a locally fabricated firearm and a machete.
Jimoh said the 56 arrests and numerous recoveries highlight the impact of intensified policing across the state. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining these operations to keep Lagos secure.
A recent case highlighting the trend involved a Lagos developer, Olakanmi Ogundele, who reported that his newly hired driver fled with his Gelly saloon car (AGL586GW) just four days after resuming duty. According to Ogundele, the driver went missing after dropping him off at his office.
