• We’re recording success, say police, govt
• Expert seeks new laws, enabling infrastructure
Concerns are mounting over rising crime rates in Lagos State despite the multi-billion-naira investment in High Definition (HD) closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed by the government in strategic locations.
The concerns stem from daily car thefts, increasing traffic robberies, a resurgence of armed robbery, and kidnappings in parts of the state.
These issues have led stakeholders to question the effectiveness of the cameras, calling for enabling laws and improved infrastructure to ensure the project achieves its objective of combating crime and addressing security challenges.
A Lagos resident and security expert, Anthony Emordi, criticised the state government’s approach, alleging that the cameras are more focused on revenue generation—such as penalising motorists with expired vehicle particulars—than addressing criminal activities. According to him, criminals continue to operate and evade justice despite claims that the cameras can expose their identities.
Recounting the origin of the CCTV initiative, a police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity said it was introduced in 2008 after armed robbers attacked bureaux de change operators at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
He said the attack left four police officers dead, several others injured, and an unspecified sum of local and foreign currency, amounting to millions, carted away. In response, the Federal Government proposed the installation of CCTV cameras, and then-Governor Babatunde Fashola embraced the idea, assigning the Ministry of Science and Technology to oversee its implementation.
The officer explained: “At the governor’s office in Alausa, it became possible to monitor activities in Ikeja, Ikoyi, and Victoria Island. The installation also led to the arrest of some armed robbers involved in the airport heist.
“With this success, the state government expanded the project, installing about 2,000 additional cameras in strategic locations. This improved policing in Lagos, and frequent Thursday bank robberies became a thing of the past. The then Commissioner of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo (DIG rtd), was so impressed that he declared the state would no longer experience violent crimes, particularly armed robbery.”
He added that successive administrations continued to invest in the project, acquiring more cameras to aid the police and other security agencies in fighting crime. Agencies like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) also adopted the technology, acquiring about 2,000 cameras to monitor traffic and penalise errant motorists.
However, over time, the system’s efficiency has reportedly declined, raising concerns that the project’s original purpose is no longer being realised.
A Certified Private Security (CPS) expert, Mr Mathew Ibadin, raised concerns over the inefficiency of Lagos State’s closed-circuit television camera system in combating crime.
According to him, while the cameras managed by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are effective in capturing traffic violations, they fail to detect crimes due to the lack of essential infrastructure, such as lighting and solar power systems.
“We are in a city without adequate electricity, no solar systems to power the cameras, and yet you expect results? Impossible! How does it work?” he queried.
Ibadin criticised the state government for its poor planning and decision to install outdated CCTV systems rather than modern IP-based surveillance solutions. He explained that HD closed-circuit television technology is several decades old and lags behind the innovations of modern surveillance systems.
“If the intention is to install CCTV cameras with a lifespan of 30 years, like their predecessors, then we are grossly mistaken. It’s not too late to make the right choices,” he said.
Ibadin elaborated on the advantages of IP surveillance systems, noting that they allow users to access, monitor, store, and archive video and audio data remotely via the internet or private networks.
“With IP systems, users can troubleshoot, adjust, service, and configure cameras from any location with network connectivity,” he said.
He further highlighted that these systems could be integrated with event-driven alert software, which triggers alarms based on specific movements or conditions, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional CCTV systems.
“There are several benefits to IP surveillance systems compared to old CCTV. For instance, if CCTV cameras are installed in total darkness, how will they record anything?” he asked.
Ibadin also called on the state and local governments to enact laws granting security agencies access to private CCTV systems installed in homes and businesses to aid crime investigations. He described the current reluctance of property owners to release footage to the police as a significant barrier to solving crimes.
He urged the government to embrace public-private partnerships in tackling security challenges, as seen in developed countries like the UK and the US. “In these places, CCTV cameras are installed in homes and public areas, and security agencies can access them when necessary. Nigeria must adopt such a system,” he stated.
Ibadin advocated for the establishment of a Ministry of Security Affairs in Lagos, headed by a professional of proven integrity, to coordinate security efforts. He also called for independent budgeting for the police and the creation of a state police force, emphasising that officers familiar with local communities would be more effective in maintaining security.
Responding to allegations of inefficiency in Lagos State’s CCTV surveillance system, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, defended the project, emphasising its ongoing development and effectiveness.
He explained: “We are laying 6,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable as part of our smart city initiative, and the first 3,000 kilometres have been completed, with 99 per cent of the first phase achieved. Less than 2,000 cameras have been installed in strategic locations, and some hospitals and schools are already connected to the system.
“This system also allows for improved monitoring, such as sending notifications to vehicle owners with expired documents to renew them and pay fines. Regarding security, there are measures we cannot discuss publicly, but the system has been instrumental in apprehending criminals.
“For example, several arrests have been made through the system, including at Oshodi. While these are not publicised, they happen routinely, with the technology reducing the rate of escape for offenders.”
Omotoso dismissed claims of high failure rates, stating: “The security sensors and surveillance devices are performing well. The rate of failure is very low, and the success rate is high. This is why it is nearly impossible to drive vehicles with expired papers undetected in Lagos.”
On crime in the state, he remarked: “The crime rate in Lagos has significantly declined. Lagos is the safest state in the country. When was the last time you heard of a kidnapping here? Unlike the violent crimes seen in some global cities like New York, Chicago, or London, the crimes in Lagos are mostly pickpocketing. The government’s focus on security has prevented such incidents.”
Omotoso credited Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration for equipping security agencies and integrating local Neighbourhood Watch operatives into the state’s crime-fighting efforts.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, also highlighted the role of CCTV in the Command’s success, saying: “We have recorded several successes through the system, which forms part of our overall achievements.”
Also, the Chairman of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (Lagos State Chapter), Olusola Ogunleye, commended the deliberate installation of cameras across traffic points and roads, noting improved security.
“The era of Ikorodu Badoo and other major threats has largely passed, but there is room for improvement. To fully assess the effectiveness of the cameras, we need access to the CCTV control room and police data on how the footage has aided investigations,” he said.
