1st September, 2017
As Muslim faithful gathered at the various prayer grounds on Friday in Lagos for the Eid-el-Kabir, there was a heavy presence of armed policemen in and around the venues.
As early as 7.00 a.m, Police patrol teams led by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) were stationed at strategic points across the city particularly at the prayer grounds.
The major prayer grounds visited included those in Obalende, Mushin, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Alimosho areas.
Patrol teams were also stationed at different “black spots” in the metropolis, while some Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers were seen coordinating security operations in their areas.
Apart from the worship centres, RRS with support from Alausa Division were on standby at Ojota, where vehicles coming into Lagos discharge their passengers, to ward off any threatening behaviour by hoodlums.
Speaking on the security arrangements, the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said more than 30,000 officers and men had been deployed for the celebration and the Sallah holidays.
Famous-Cole said the command had fully complied with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to all state commands to ensure a water-tight security during and after the festivities.
He said the new Lagos State Police Commissioner, Edgar Imohimi, after taking over from CP Fatai Owoseni, met with area commanders and DPOs, and also reiterated the I-G’s directive.
“The Ag. CP Edgal Imohimi had a quick security briefing with the officers on the public holiday and warned officers to make sure that the Sallah is hitch-free with `robust’ police visibility,’’ Famous-Cole said.