5th September, 2012
The Nigerian Police Force has called on residents of Lagos State to support it in tackling possible security challenges in the state.
Speaking during the first year anniversary of Area “M” Police Command, the Officer-in-charge, Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command, Abba Kyari(SP) said the community must help the police to maintain peace because police cannot do it alone.
“We need the cooperation of Lagosians to tackle and overcome the security challenges in the state and the country at large,” he added.
Speaking on the award, Abba commended the organisers for thinking it wise to honour police officers for their contribution to the growth of the country.
He added, “If the society can be doing this, it will encourage us, policemen to perform even better than what they see now.”
The guest lecturer, Major Alexander Babatunde Panox(retd) urged residents to assist the Nigerian Police with useful information to aid them in discharging their duty.
He added: “Community policing is about helping the police with information on criminals hideouts and suspected robbers in our environment as contribution to our safety.
“Government is to protect lives and properties, while police are to maintain law and order but when the government or the police fail, it is always the common citizens that suffer and that is why we must help the police to protect our communities from the wicked ones.
“Let the traditional rulers and the religious leaders also join us in this crusade by admonishing the people to always obey the law.
“We are all community police and if we all submit to the law, a peaceful environment is assured.”
In his remark, a resident of LASU-Iba, Mr. Folusho Ojo, said the people in the area really felt the impact and effectiveness of the area ‘M’ Police Command within the one year of its commission.
Earlier in his welcome address, the publisher of Alimosho Times, Mr. Roy Jibromah, said the 1st security and safety award 2012 is to recognise men and women of the Police Force who have risked their lives for the safety of the community.
—OLUWOLE ADEBOYE & AYODEJI DEDEIGBO