The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, advocated for urgent reforms of the country’s security architecture and policing.
He said with the insecurity situation in the country, there was need for all stakeholders to take urgent steps in reforming the security architecture.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 16th annual town hall meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund held on Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said, “What we must all continue to do is to press forward and strive to ensure that risks are properly addressed, threats are contained, that deterrent measures are in place, and that every investment necessary for a safer society is made.
“We must also acknowledge that our national policing and security architecture needs urgent review. We cannot continue with a dysfunctional structure that has obvious room for improvement. Our commendation must go to the Federal Government for the community policing reforms being implemented, but more needs to be done; we need more far-reaching structural reforms in security management in Nigeria.”
In his report, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Abiodun Alabi, disclosed that despite its challenges, the state Command has arrested no fewer than 142 suspects between October 2021 and September 2022.
“From the summary of cases recorded in the Command within the period of this report as highlighted above, out of the 170 robbery incidents carried out by the hoodlums, 149 were foiled while 21 were successful with 146 suspects arrested in connection with the crimes. However, the major challenge confronting the command is inadequate patrol vehicles,” he said.
