19th April, 2017
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South-West geo-political zone, Mr Foluso Adebanjo, has called for greater cooperation among security agencies for better responses to crime control and prevention.
Adebanjo made the remark while addressing newsmen at the Lagos House in Alausa, shortly after a courtesy visit to Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State.
The police boss who commended the security arrangement in Lagos State, said that the collaboration among security agencies in the state was worthy of emulation specifically with respect to stemming the crime rate.
Adebanjo said the meeting with the governor was part of his engagement with strategic stakeholders to enhance security in the state.
He said it was important for all actors to partner, to scale up the security architecture of the state.
“The IGP directed that all DIGs should go to their respective geo-political zones to assess the crime situation and to proffer solutions.
“Yesterday, I met with community leaders and then all the police officers from the Commissioner of Police to Area Commanders and the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 2 was also present.
“We had representatives from our Eminent Persons’ Forum and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
“All the stakeholders were in attendance, including the military and their service commanders,” he said.
Adebanjo said the visit was to see what was happening in the state and evaluate developments, seek for partnership with other services and chart a new course.
“Lagos is a place to be emulated because there is so much synergy among the security agencies,” he said.
Adebanjo appealed to officers and men to always carry out their duties without harassing the people.
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“As police officers, our duty is to serve and protect the people who are actually our bosses.
“It is from the taxes that people pay that we are paid; so we must show respect and restraint and we can do our job without being harsh on the people.
“Nigerians are not criminals, but criminals among us will be dealt according to the law,” he said.
Adebanjo also advised people with criminal intents to stay away from Lagos and the south-west zone, as there would be no room for them to operate.
“If you commit any crime in Lagos state, or within this area, you will be arrested and prosecuted, in accordance with the law,” Adebanjo assured.