The Police Command in Lagos has advised religious centres to endeavour to search worshippers and embrace the use of technology to further strengthen security on their premises.

Idowu Adedeji, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Area C Police Command, advised at a security sensitisation meeting with some Christian clerics on Wednesday in Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State.

“Search worshippers, install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, get scanners to detect pe, people with any dangerous weapons hidden on their bodies,” he said.

Mr Adedeji said attacks on churches in recent times had increased at an alarming rate, and therefore churches must consider measures to ensure the safety of worshippers.

“Involve your members in regular church sweeping by going around the compound to check and search for strange objects before the commencement of service.

“Police patrol teams move around every Sunday, but we cannot be physically present in all churches; we are constrained by our resources,” he said.

He urged men of God to create security committees or teams in churches.

“Create or get vibrant men to man your gates and other areas in the premises. Not old men in their 70s just because you want to pay them a stipend.

“After creating security teams or committees, inform us; we will help you train them and give them security tips.”

The DPO further urged the clergymen to get the contacts of the police and other emergency responders in case of emergency or security threat on their worship centres.

Mr Adedeji said that the children’s church must also be secured as there have been cases of child stealing in some churches.

He advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) chapter within Area C to create a social media platform or forum that would be dedicated solely to security issues.

(NAN)