Why Lagos must be peaceful, safe, by IGP

• Government to introduce marine squad
• Ambode asks for more policemen

Acting Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has said that it is critical to ensure Lagos is peaceful and safe because it is key to a peaceful and safe Nigeria.

He, therefore, promised to provide the state the best of policing.

Idris, who was on a visit to the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday, expressed appreciation to him for the support given to the Police and other security agencies.

The acting IGP also commended the governor for promoting synergy among security agencies in the state, the reason for which the state could effectively tackle the security challenge posed recently by militants.

Idris therefore, enjoined other state governors to emulate the approach adopted by Ambode. To buttress his view, the IG recalled that it was because of Lagos’ leading role that made the Kano State Commissioner of Police to visit Lagos to understudy its security apparatus for replication in Kano.

Ambode assured the IG that the state is willing to go any length to guarantee the lives of the people of the state.

He said the state government would not hesitate to shut down any community that threatens security. He promised that it would continue to sustain good relationship with the police, especially since he came on board as governor.

He, however, pleaded with the IGP to send more policemen to the state, especially when the ongoing recruitment by the Police is completed, citing the present number as inadequate.

The governor assured the IG that the state has what it takes to accommodate more police officers, promising that the state government would take proper care of the welfare of officers posted to the state.

As part of his itinerary, the IG held a meeting with security stakeholders in the state, where he stated that criminal activities on the waterways and creeks were of serious concern to him.

Idris said, “We are looking at ways to enhance the marine police. The governor (Akinwunmi Ambode) was talking on the gunboats and patrol boats and these are the areas we are going to have more deployment on the creeks and waterways from Lagos up to Calabar, Delta.”

The governor expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the joint task force against the criminals and pipeline vandals troubling the state.

Ambode also expressed appreciation to the immediate past IGP, Solomon Arase for supporting his government in its bid to improve security. He explained that the state Security Trust Fund had been a critical element in the state’s quest to ensure a peaceful and safe atmosphere.