New Year 2026: CP Jimoh Leads Statewide Show of Force, Reassures Lagosians of Robust Security

New Year 2026: CP Jimoh Leads Statewide Show of Force, Reassures Lagosians of Robust Security

As Lagos braces for the heavy movements and celebrations associated with New Year’s Eve and the traditional crossover night, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, led a massive statewide “Show of Force” patrol to reassure residents and visitors of adequate security across the metropolis.

The confidence-building operation, which cut across strategic locations in Lagos, is part of an ongoing crime-prevention initiative that commenced in September. Tactical units deployed included the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Eko Strike Force, Task Force, and other specialised teams of the Command.

Speaking with members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) and other journalists during the exercise, CP Jimoh said the patrol was aimed at sustaining peace during the festive season and demonstrating the Police’s readiness to protect lives and property.

“Since September, we have been patrolling Lagos streets daily, and the results are evident. There is no crime of concern in Lagos as we speak,” the Commissioner said.

He noted that the peaceful celebration of Christmas and the successful staging of the Eyo Festival—held for the first time in nearly eight years—were clear indicators of the effectiveness of the Command’s security strategies.

“Christmas was celebrated peacefully, the Eyo Festival was peaceful, and thousands of events across Lagos have been incident-free. Today’s patrol is to assure Lagosians that we are fully prepared for the crossover night,” CP Jimoh added.

The Show of Force covered major corridors and identified flashpoints, including the Ojodu-Berger Expressway, Lagos Island—with foot patrols around Iga Idungaran (the Oba’s Palace), Adeniyi and adjoining streets—Eko Atlantic City, and the newly opened Lagos Coastal Road, stretching from the Eko Atlantic axis to the end of the completed section. Other areas covered included major highways and entry routes into Lagos, with patrol extensions towards Arepo in Ogun State, as well as key recreational, nightlife and commercial districts across the city.

At the Coastal Road axis, the Commissioner disclosed that massive deployment had addressed initial traffic infractions and accidents recorded shortly after the road’s opening.

“We have deployed over 30 patrol teams here, supported by tactical squads. From the opening of this road till now, there has been no crime and no fatal accident,” he said.

CP Jimoh also revealed enhanced marine security operations in riverine areas such as Ikorodu, Epe and adjoining coastal communities. According to him, nine gunboats approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, have been deployed alongside a newly introduced tactical unit codenamed “Submarine,” operating in collaboration with the Marine Police.

“Lagos is not a safe haven for criminals. We are policing the land, the waterways, and extending patrols beyond state boundaries where threats may arise,” he stated.

The Commissioner warned against the spread of false security-related information on social media, describing fear-mongering as a punishable offence under the Cybercrime Act.

“There is no record of bandits, Boko Haram elements, or mass arrests in Lagos. Anyone spreading false information to create fear will be investigated and prosecuted,” he cautioned.

CP Jimoh assured Lagosians, Nigerians in the diaspora, and foreign visitors in the country for the festivities that security operations would continue beyond New Year’s Day and throughout 2026.

“We are bringing policing to the doorstep of every Lagosian. This will not stop. We are entering the New Year with renewed vigour and stronger strategies,” he said.

The patrol team included the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), ACP Lawrence Ehindero; the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye; and other senior officers of the Command.

He concluded by wishing residents a peaceful crossover night and a prosperous New Year, while reaffirming the Lagos State Police Command’s commitment to people-centred and intelligence-driven policing across the state.