Lagos Police Conduct Personnel Audit, Withdraw Officers from Unapproved Assignments

Lagos Police Conduct Personnel Audit, Withdraw Officers from Unapproved Assignments

Lagos, Nigeria – The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a comprehensive audit of police personnel attached to individuals, groups, and organizations across the state to ensure proper deployment and accountability.

Speaking at a press briefing on February 27, 2025, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundaire M. Jimoh, emphasized that the exercise is a routine procedure conducted across all police commands in the country. The goal, he said, is to account for police officers, their firearms, and other crime-fighting equipment, ensuring they are deployed effectively for public safety.

Withdrawal of Officers from Unauthorized Assignments

CP Jimoh stated that the audit aims to identify police officers assigned to unapproved duty posts or individuals without valid authorization. Those found in such unauthorized assignments will be redeployed to police stations, divisions, and area commands to bolster security for the general public.

"Lagos State, with a population exceeding 20 million people, has fewer than 18,000 police personnel. It is crucial to ensure that officers are properly assigned to maximize security across the state," he explained.

He further clarified that the exercise is not targeted at any individual but is being conducted purely in the public interest. Notably, the audit of police personnel attached to Hon. Mojisola Meranda has been completed, and her four armed officers have been reinstated for her protection.

Instructions for Individuals with Police Escorts

The Commissioner urged prominent personalities, business executives, and other individuals with police protection but without valid approval to revalidate their authorization or apply afresh to the Inspector-General of Police.

"For those found to have policemen attached to them without approval, their officers will be withdrawn immediately. Going forward, the Special Protection Units at Force Headquarters will centrally manage the deployment of police personnel for private security across the country," CP Jimoh stated.

Clarification on Speaker Obasa’s Security and Lagos Assembly Incident

CP Jimoh also addressed reports regarding security at the Lagos State House of Assembly and the recent deployment of officers to Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker of the Assembly.

He confirmed that Hon. Obasa applied for police protection due to threats to his life and family, and the request was approved accordingly. However, the Lagos State Police Command is unaware of any incident involving a break-in at the Speaker’s office and remains neutral in all political matters within the Assembly.

To maintain security at the Lagos Assembly complex, the police have reinforced their presence with Mobile Force Units, Counter-Terrorism Units, Special Protection Units, Bomb Squads, conventional police teams, detectives, and armored personnel carriers to prevent any breach of peace.

Call for Calm

Reassuring Lagosians, CP Jimoh emphasized that the police remain committed to neutrality, law enforcement, and public safety.

"We urge everyone to go about their lawful activities without fear. The Lagos State Police Command is fully committed to maintaining law and order across the state," he assured.

The ongoing audit underscores the Lagos Police Command’s dedication to enhancing security and ensuring that police personnel are deployed where they are most needed to serve the public effectively.