CCTV cameras: Lagos police boss dismisses report, assures residents of safety

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, has assured residents and visitors of adequate safety and security. He stated that sufficient human, material, and operational resources have been strategically deployed across the state to ensure the safety and security of all.

The CP made this known in a statement yesterday, signed by the command’s spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, in response to a report by The Guardian on high crime rates in Lagos State despite the deployment of CCTV cameras. He described the report as baseless and unfounded, noting that empirical statistics do not support its claims.

“A few months back, Lagos State was unanimously adjudged the safest state in the country,” Ishola said. “This recognition made the state a one-stop destination for Nigerians and visitors, especially during the Yuletide. It is on record that over 500,000 people entered Lagos in December 2024 alone, and 90 per cent of them remained in the state during that period. Despite this, near-zero crime was recorded.”

He further noted that the CCTV cameras installed by the Lagos State Government have significantly aided in monitoring and arresting criminal elements, often preventing crimes before they could occur.

“That some of these achievements do not make it to the news does not mean they are not happening,” he added. The CP described the report as outdated and capable of causing unnecessary panic in the state. He urged residents to disregard the publication and continue their lawful activities without fear of harassment or intimidation.