Olohundare Jimoh, the police commissioner in Lagos, has declared the state “safe and secure”, citing strengthened covert and overt operations across all divisions.

Mr Jimoh issued the assurance during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday. He said the newly introduced Eko Strike Force was created by the inspector general of police to boost rapid response capacity across Lagos.

“The Eko Strike Force complements the Rapid Response Squad,” he said, stressing that both units were “mobile, highly trained, and focused on keeping Lagos safe”.

He noted that the unit was first deployed in Surulere, a strategic junction linking the Mainland and the Island, to enable a swift response to threats.

Mr Jimoh said more bases had been opened, with support from local governments, to expand their reach across the state. He added that Lagos tactical task forces had increased to 57 units, covering all councils and local development areas across Lagos.

“These squads form the covert arm of the Eko Strike Force, while the main unit acts as the overt wing,” he said.

He said combined deployments now give the police “capacity to manage any security situation everywhere in the state”. Mr Jimoh cited recent breakthroughs in Mushin, Akala, Olorunsogo, and Sangotedo, where weapons were recovered and notorious suspects arrested.

“There is no area we cannot penetrate. Anyone attempting a crime in Lagos will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.

He stated that crime levels remained low in September, October, and November, despite rising movement ahead of the festive period. Mr Jimoh said Lagos had now entered the final phase of its annual ‘Ember’ security operation, designed to deter seasonal criminal activity.

He highlighted progress on waterways security and confirmed that 26 gunboats had been deployed across critical marine routes. The commissioner also announced a new marine tactical unit, the Submarine Tactical Task Force, to enhance safety on waterways.

Mr Jimoh said sustained deployments would continue on roads, public spaces, and communities throughout the festive season. He warned the media against amplifying fear or misinformation, noting that some individuals try to cause panic through distorted reports.

“Journalists are vital partners in sustaining security and public confidence,” he said, urging accuracy and responsibility.

Mr Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to keeping Lagos safe for residents, businesses, and visitors during the holiday season.

(NAN)