LG/LCDA Elections: Area M Police Commander, ACP Abaniwonda Warns Against Thuggery, Violence in Alimosho
…Holds Strategic Security Stakeholders Meeting Ahead of July 12 Poll
By Oki Samson
As Lagos prepares for the upcoming Local Government and Local Council Development Area (LG/LCDA) elections scheduled for July 12, 2025, the Nigeria Police has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peaceful and credible elections across the state, particularly in Alimosho, Lagos’ most populous LGA.
The Area Commander in charge of Area M Command, ACP Tokunbo Abaniwonda, over the weekend convened a high-level security stakeholders meeting in Idimu to outline strategies for a violence-free electoral process and rally community leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies behind the goal of maintaining law and order.
Addressing stakeholders, ACP Abaniwonda declared unequivocally that any form of electoral violence, thuggery, or cult-related activity will not be tolerated. “We say no to hostility, no to violence. The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, and the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, have made it clear — there is zero tolerance for election-related crimes and cultism,” she warned.
She stressed the importance of adherence to due process and democratic principles, adding that security personnel will be deployed to polling stations and strategic locations to ensure safety. “We will do everything within the ambit of the law to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair election,” she said. “Alimosho deserves that.”
The meeting brought together a cross-section of key figures, including royal fathers, religious leaders, political representatives, and top security officers. Among the traditional leaders present were HRM Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal (Oba of Isheri Olofin), Oba Abidemi Aberejo (Alakesan of Akesan), HRH Oba Babatunde Akanbi Nasir Ogunrunbi (Onishasha of Shasha), and Alhaji Ahmed Haruna Karaja (Seriki Hausa of Alimosho).
Also in attendance were political party representatives, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and heads of various police divisions and security units under Area M, including CSP Ronke Bakare (2i/c Area M), CSP Kabiru Sulaiman (DPO Igando), CSP Oni Waheed (DPO Ikotun), CSP Ojajuni Adeleke (DPO Shasha), CSP Ogbeifun Kenneth (DPO Isheri-Oshun), CSP Eze Aghata (DPO Idimu), SP Owolabi Sefunmi (DPO Gowon Estate), CSP Charles Sawyer (Commander, Panther Egbeda), and CSP Aduroja Akinola (Commander, Shark Ejigbo).
ACP Abaniwonda emphasized that security agencies are united in their resolve to maintain peace, adding that collaboration with community stakeholders is critical. “Our doors are always open to everyone — male or female, young or old, regardless of tribe or religion,” she said. “What we need is commitment and communication from you all. Let us make history together by upholding peace and democratic values.”
She also announced the upcoming launch of a grassroots campaign against cultism in Alimosho, spearheaded by the National Coordinator of Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), ACP Olabisi Okuwobi. The initiative will focus on youth engagement and public sensitization to curb anti-social behavior in the community.
Stakeholders at the meeting praised the initiative and voiced their concerns and suggestions.
HRM Oba Dr. Ibrahim Olasunkanmi Lawal described the forum as timely and strategic. “Cultism and thuggery are grassroots problems. We’ve been addressing them, and I can say it is reducing. This approach by the police is commendable.”
Bishop Oyedepo, Chairman of the Police Eminent Persons Forum, raised concerns about excessive police checkpoints, urging better coordination. “There should be improved synergy among security agencies. We also propose estate security workshops and closer collaboration with Community Security Officers (CSOs),” he suggested.
A representative of the Nigerian Navy Base in Alimosho affirmed military support for the police during internal security operations. “We recognize the police as the lead agency in internal security. The military stands ready to assist where necessary,” he said, cautioning youths against being used as political tools.
Also speaking, Mr. Ade Kehinde of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) highlighted ongoing efforts to tackle drug abuse through public education and enforcement. “We’ve taken sensitization to bars, schools, and communities. Drug abuse threatens public safety and democratic processes. We all have a role to play in addressing it,” he said.
As the countdown to the July 12 LG/LCDA elections continues, the Area M Police Command has reaffirmed its readiness to maintain peace and order while calling on all stakeholders to join hands in ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in Alimosho.
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