CP Fatai Tijani Begins Anti-Cultism Offensive in Agege, Rallies Council Chairmen, Stakeholders

CP Fatai Tijani Begins Anti-Cultism Offensive in Agege, Rallies Council Chairmen, Stakeholders

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani, has launched a decisive anti-cultism campaign in Agege, calling for stronger community collaboration as local government chairmen and stakeholders pledged support to tackle rising insecurity across the axis.

The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has declared a renewed war against cultism and gangsterism in Lagos, commencing from Agege, with a firm assurance that criminal elements will no longer be tolerated.

Addressing a broad gathering of stakeholders, including community leaders, political figures, and security partners, Tijani stressed that restoring peace in Agege is both a personal responsibility and a strategic priority.

“This is my home. I cannot secure other parts of Lagos and leave my own community in chaos,” he said, lamenting the growing prevalence of cult-related violence in the area.

He noted that Agege, once known for its peaceful environment, has witnessed increasing incidents of killings and clashes linked to cult groups, a trend he described as unacceptable.

The CP urged residents to support law enforcement through intelligence sharing, emphasizing that effective policing depends heavily on community cooperation.

“Security is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something,” he said, adding that the police are ready to act decisively on credible information.

Tijani warned that landlords harboring criminal elements and individuals shielding offenders would be treated as accomplices, stressing that “the era of pampering criminals is over.”

He also cited Mushin as a model where collaborative efforts between residents and police significantly reduced cult-related violence, urging Agege communities to adopt similar strategies.

Council Chairmen, Stakeholders Speak

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area, Akinola Abiodun Idowu, commended the CP for choosing to begin his statewide engagement from Agege, describing it as a symbolic and strategic move.

He noted that the visit serves as a wake-up call for communities to take ownership of security challenges and work closely with law enforcement agencies.

Similarly, the Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Yemisi Rosiji, welcomed the initiative, stating that while relative peace exists in parts of the council, there is a need to strengthen surveillance and intelligence gathering, particularly in densely populated and commercially active areas.

Rosiji highlighted concerns around criminal activities near transport corridors and markets, stressing the importance of sustained security operations and community sensitization.

Also lending his voice, Abdulganiu Obasa, the chairman of Agege LCDA , underscored the importance of continuous stakeholder engagement, noting that recent community security meetings have begun addressing emerging threats.

Other political and community leaders present at the event included APC chieftains such as Baba Safari, Adela Anijo, and Shegun, alongside Vice Chairman of Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. Wale Fayemi, and the first Executive Chairman of Agege Local Government, Chief Olabode Oki, all of whom expressed support for the CP’s initiative.

Women leaders, including Mrs. Kafila, also pledged to intensify grassroots sensitization, particularly among youths and families, to curb involvement in cultism and related vices.

Call for Collective Action

The Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Jude, reiterated the need for residents to actively support security agencies with timely and accurate information.

“Security is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone. Communities must speak up and act,” he said.

In his closing remarks, CP Tijani reaffirmed his commitment to restoring peace across Lagos, warning that anyone found involved in violent crimes would face the full weight of the law.

“We will not spare anyone. This is not about intimidation; it is about restoring peace and protecting lives,” he stated.

He urged continuous dialogue, grassroots engagement, and unified action to ensure that Agege and its environs become safe for residents and businesses alike.