The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, on Thursday called for stronger stakeholders security collaboration to tackle cultism, electoral violence and other criminal activities across the state.
CP Tijani made the call during a security stakeholders meeting held at POWA Hall, Secretariat, Oduduwa Hall, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, as part of activities marking 2026 National Police Day.
Addressing participants drawn from various communities, the police boss stressed that stakeholders security collaboration remains critical to addressing emerging threats and sustaining peace in Lagos.
He said, “Police work cannot be done by the police alone. Every single person is a police officer, whether in mufti or in uniform; the only difference is the uniform we wear. Outside of that, we are all the same because no one wants insecurity in the environment.”
Electoral violence, cultism top concerns
Highlighting key security concerns, CP Tijani urged stakeholders to prioritise stakeholders security collaboration in addressing electoral violence ahead of the election season.
“We must also address issues like electoral violence as we approach the election period. We need to speak to our youths and children; they are often the ones drawn into such acts,” he said.
“Electoral violence is a vice that should not exist in our society. Families, parents and community leaders must educate young people about its dangers and consequences.”
He further emphasised that effective stakeholders security collaboration depends on trust and information sharing.
“What we need to function effectively is information. We cannot be everywhere at the same time. Someone must call and inform us, whether it is distress, an accident, or a traffic issue. That is why information sharing is very important,” Tijani added.
The CP also encouraged residents to report suspicious movements, noting that proactive engagement is key to crime prevention.
Youth leaders, PCRC advocate engagement
Also speaking, the National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Lagos Chapter Chairman, Adigun Ibrahim, lamented that cultism, street gangs, drug abuse and human trafficking continue to affect young people.
He recommended sustained stakeholders security collaboration through youth engagement, empowerment and employment initiatives, while proposing the establishment of a police youth advisory council across the state.
In his remarks, the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Chairman, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, congratulated the Nigeria Police Force on the celebration of Police Day.
He urged appreciation for officers of the Lagos State Command, commending their commitment to protecting lives and property.
Police assure safety, call for continued support
CP Tijani reiterated that stakeholders security collaboration remains the backbone of effective policing, noting that Lagos enjoys relative peace due to ongoing cooperation between the police and the public.
He assured residents of adequate security during the Easter celebrations, stating that churches and public spaces would be properly secured.
“Be assured that your lives and property are protected. There is no cause for fear. We are committed to ensuring that Lagos remains safe,” he said.
