Fatai Tijani Unveils Tough Security Reforms, Declares War on Land Grabbing, Cultism in Lagos

Fatai Tijani Unveils Tough Security Reforms, Declares War on Land Grabbing, Cultism in Lagos

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has rolled out a comprehensive security strategy aimed at strengthening community policing, restoring public trust, and tackling rising threats such as land grabbing, cultism, and extortion across the state.

In a strategic meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and tactical unit heads, CP Tijani outlined his operational blueprint, emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and citizen-focused policing as the cornerstone of his leadership.

Addressing senior officers, the CP stressed that his approach would be anchored on “policing with humility and integrity,” noting that modern law enforcement must align with global best practices in community policing. According to him, officers must see themselves as public servants rather than authority figures, ensuring respectful engagement with residents at all times.

He underscored that integrity remains non-negotiable, warning that public confidence in the police can only be sustained when officers uphold transparency and accountability in their duties.

A key component of the new strategy is the immediate deployment of visibility policing, with directives for officers to maintain a strong presence across strategic locations in Lagos. Tijani explained that increased patrols would serve as a deterrent to criminal activities, as offenders are less likely to operate in areas with active police surveillance.

The CP also announced the reactivation of area command convoy patrols, leveraging existing operational vehicles to intensify security coverage across the state. These patrols, he said, would be deployed continuously to monitor and disrupt criminal movements.

On crime control, Tijani declared a sustained crackdown on identified black spots, revealing that daily raids would be conducted to flush out criminal elements. He issued a strong warning to offenders, stating that it would no longer be “business as usual” for those engaging in illegal activities.

Particularly, the police boss took a firm stance against land grabbing, describing it as a growing menace in Lagos. He vowed that individuals or groups involved in illegal land seizures would be apprehended and prosecuted strictly within the ambit of the law.

He further linked land grabbing to organized cult groups, noting that such syndicates often mobilize youths to enforce illegal land claims. As part of the broader security overhaul, Tijani announced a zero-tolerance policy on cultism, identifying affected areas and assuring that targeted operations would be carried out to dismantle such networks.

In a move to reform internal conduct, the CP reiterated a strict prohibition on extortion, warning officers against demanding money from members of the public under any guise. He urged residents to report any incidents of misconduct, assuring that erring officers would face disciplinary action and be publicly sanctioned.

Tijani also clarified the command’s position on civil disputes, directing officers to refrain from вмешling in purely civil matters and instead refer such cases to appropriate legal channels, including the courts or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

Touching on complaints against agencies such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and task force units, the CP encouraged aggrieved citizens to come forward, promising that all reports of misconduct would be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

He concluded by charging officers to demonstrate renewed commitment and dedication, stressing that the success of the command’s strategy depends on discipline, professionalism, and adherence to rules of engagement.

The briefing marks a significant shift in policing direction in Lagos, with a strong focus on rebuilding trust, enhancing operational efficiency, and ensuring safer communities.