The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has advised the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state command, Olohundare Jimoh, to reduce crime to the barest minimum.

Mr Akiolu gave this advice during the CP’s courtesy visit to his palace on Lagos Island on Friday.

He urged him to fight crime effectively and ensure Lagos remains safe.

“Let all your Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders submit their crime charts to assess crime levels when you take over.

“Every month, you must monitor crime trends to ensure a significant reduction,” he said.

Mr Akiolu stated that policing must be learnt from experienced elders. 

“You should not disclose operational strategies publicly. The key elements of policing are Speak, Surprise, and Secret. That is how to achieve results.

“With the current challenges in policing, all hands must be on deck. You have a willing and progressive government that I have urged to assist the police.

“The operational vehicles currently in use need improvement,” he noted.

He urged police officers to improve their service delivery.

“The police must remember they were civilians before joining the Force and will return to civilian life after retirement. They should be civil in dealing with the public.

“We appeal to the public to cooperate with the police and give peace a chance. Nigeria is improving, and things will get better,” he said.

He expressed concern over youths engaging in drug abuse and cultism, which are forbidden in both Christianity and Islam.

The traditional ruler stated that there was no crisis in the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“There is no crisis in the Lagos Assembly. It is democracy in action. Politicians do not quarrel; they only disagree and later find common ground.

“It is merely a security breach. There will be no problem,” he assured.

He urged the media to provide accurate, timely, and adequate information to the public.

The Oba also appealed to the public to pray for their leaders and commend them when they perform well.

According to him, Nigeria will reach its desired destination with time. 

The commissioner of police assured the Oba that he would combat crime in the state.

“Lagos is not only Nigeria’s commercial hub but also a centre of excellence. As head of the command, I assure you that we will align with the existing security framework.

“You will have no reason to complain about our operations. 

“You have vast knowledge of policing. Our duty is not only to enforce the law but also to uphold traditions for the well-being of your people,” he said. 

(NAN)