Lagos Eyes ‘Eko Strike Force’ as IGP Egbetokun, CP Jimoh, Dr. Ogunsan Engage UN-Habitat

As Lagos continues to evolve as one of the fastest-growing cities in the world, discussions are underway for a new security initiative, the Eko Strike Force, aimed at enhancing urban policing and crime control.

The initiative is being considered following a high-level meeting at the UN-Habitat regional headquarters in Abuja, attended by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, and a Board Member of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan.

A New Security Vision for Lagos

Lagos, with a population exceeding 20 million and growing rapidly, faces constant security challenges. Over the years, successive administrations have introduced various security measures, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), and the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA). Now, the Eko Strike Force is being developed as a revolutionary crime-fighting unit.

Patterned after the Policing Urban Space framework developed by UN-Habitat and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Eko Strike Force will adopt a strategic, data-driven approach to crime prevention while considering the social, economic, and spatial factors influencing criminal activities.

High-Level Collaboration and UN-Habitat’s Role

UN-Habitat, mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote sustainable urban development, designed the Policing Urban Space initiative in 2010 to guide law enforcement agencies in tackling crime in rapidly expanding urban areas.

Speaking on the proposed Eko Strike Force, LSSTF Board Member Dr. Ayo Ogunsan emphasized its potential impact on Lagos' security architecture.

“The Policing Urban Space program is a comprehensive approach to urban policing that will significantly benefit Lagos when implemented,” he stated. “The Eko Strike Force will be a robust, statewide initiative tailored to the unique social, economic, and geographical characteristics of Lagos.”

Dr. Ogunsan also praised CP Jimoh for his commitment to policing excellence, assuring him of full support in developing and executing the initiative.

CP Jimoh’s Strategy for the Eko Strike Force

During his visit to LSSTF, CP Jimoh outlined the operational framework for the Eko Strike Force, explaining that it will have two components:

1. Overt Unit – A visible, mobile patrol team equipped with a large fleet of vehicles. This unit will be stationed at Area C Command Headquarters in Surulere for rapid response to incidents across the state. Officers from MOPOL 2, 22, 23, 43, and 49 will be deployed for joint operations.

2. Covert Unit – An undercover tactical squad designed for intelligence-driven crime prevention. Officers will operate in unmarked vehicles, including modified commercial buses, to blend into the city while responding swiftly to security threats.

CP Jimoh emphasized that this structure would be integrated into Lagos' Policing Urban Space plan with UN-Habitat’s guidance.

“We have been given a comprehensive blueprint from UN-Habitat on how to implement this security model effectively,” he said. “Governor Sanwo-Olu is committed to improving the security landscape, and once we present the plan to him, we believe Lagos will take the lead in urban policing innovation.”

Lagos to Pioneer Global Security Model

Lagos is set to become the first state in Nigeria to adopt the Policing Urban Space framework, as neither the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) nor any other state has fully implemented it.

With the backing of the Lagos State Government, security experts, and international agencies, the Eko Strike Force could set a new standard for crime prevention in urban Nigeria, reinforcing Lagos’ status as the country’s commercial nerve center and a model for effective policing.