The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has urged residents and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to prevent crime and sustain peace in their communities.
Tijani made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ security meeting organised by the Area E Police Command, Festac, Lagos, to engage residents and community leaders on security matters.
He said security was a collective responsibility, stressing that effective community policing required the active participation and cooperation of residents.
“Everybody in the community is to be seen as a security agent because security is very paramount in anything we do,” he said.
The CP urged residents to know the people living within their communities and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police.
He said timely information from residents would enable the police to take proactive measures to prevent crimes rather than merely responding after they occurred.
Tijani also expressed concern over youth involvement in crime, cultism, hooliganism and other forms of criminality, urging parents, community leaders and other stakeholders to play greater roles in guiding young people.
He urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace and discourage criminal activities, while appealing to youths to shun crime and contribute positively to their communities.
“We appeal to our youths to shun crime and other activities capable of undermining peace and security, and to contribute positively to the development and well-being of their communities, ” he said.
The commissioner said the command would continue to engage communities and other stakeholders to identify security challenges and develop practical solutions.
He also urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful channels, assuring them of the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order.
“The success of the state’s security architecture depends on mutual trust and cooperation between the police and the communities they serve,” Tijani said.
He called for continued stakeholder dialogue, particularly as the state prepares for electoral activities, stressing that peaceful elections required collective efforts and the rejection of violence.
He also urged stakeholders to work closely with the police to ensure a peaceful political process and prevent political violence and other forms of criminality before, during and after the elections.
“Peaceful elections and a stable society require the cooperation of all stakeholders and the willingness of citizens to reject violence and other acts capable of disrupting public order, ” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Area, Prince Olanrewaju Sanusi, said security remained a priority of his administration, noting that development could not thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
Sanusi commended security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting lives and property and assured them of the council’s continued support and cooperation.
He urged traditional rulers, Community Development Associations and Committees, religious leaders, landlords, youth organisations, market leaders and residents to maintain open communication with security agencies and promptly report suspicious activities.
The chairman called for greater attention to youth unemployment, cultism, drug abuse and other social challenges that could expose young people to crime.
He urged stakeholders to embrace intelligence sharing, community vigilance and rapid response, while condemning jungle justice and mob action.
Sanusi called on residents to reject violence, report security threats responsibly and resolve disputes peacefully, assuring them of the council’s commitment to building safer communities.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including the police, Community Development Committees (CDCs), Community Development Associations (CDAs), traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, market leaders, youth representatives, transport unions and other security stakeholders.
