The Joint Task Force on prevention of crimes in Lagos Mainland Local Government, Surulere Local Government and Yaba Local Council development Area have held a joint crime prevention meeting at Lagos Mainland Local government secretariat on Friday 26th July, 2024 to checkmate and avert activities bothering on crime and public unrest.
This crimes and criminality awareness Campaign is a Security Measures to sensitize the Public on the need to conduct themselves within the prism of law and order .
The task force was a baby of necessity established at local government level purposely to prevent unrest and other heinous crimes.
The joint task force comprises of all local vigilante groups within the Communities and with the stamp of approval to operate by the Governor of Lagos State and State Police Command.
The Lagos Mainland Council’s boss, Hon. Mrs Omolola Rashidat Essien stated that she has being working with JTF at Ikeja Local Government during the Administration of His Excellence President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he was then the Governor of Lagos State.
Said she, “they have been in existence before now, and have performed wonderfully well. l appreciate all the efforts of the State Government on the provision of Boat which would enable the team to apprehend any criminal that tries to escape through the lagoon. I am appealing to you all that when you see something say something. Do not shut your mouth when there’s need to say something. Don’t be quiet when there’s need to speak out to save a life and the society”.
Mrs. Essien explained that the much orchestrated Protest slated to come up
on 1st to 15th of August would not be allowed by the State Government to escalate and snowball into violence where crimes and vandalization of government’s and people’s properties would be the order of the day, adding that anybody who is involved would be arrested and prosecuted.
“A situation where some criminal minded individuals under the guise of protest would want to unleashed mayhem to the extend of looting and allied crimes would be repelled here in Lagos Mainland, such criminals would be arrested instantly and face the wrath of the law, if anyone is under the compelling need to protest, he or she should go to his state,” Mrs. Essien advised.
The Lagos State Commander of Joint Task Force, Commander Olusan, seeks for the full support of the community leaders to kick against indiscipline in the society.
“On Monday a directive was received from the Governor to carry out massive dislodgement of some trouble makers disturbing the peace and tranquility in the Area of Okobaba as a result of security complaints received from the People within the lagoon area. The breach of Peace which has caused the unrest to the People in that Area, swiftly repelled to allay the fear of the peaceful people living in the area”, he said.
Olusan said the Joint Task Force works with the Nigerian Police Force. Said he “any arrest made by our team is instantly referred to the nearest Police Station closer to the scene of the crime for further investigation after we’ve taken our own report of evidence, both State and Local government has made provisions for Patrol vehicles and Boats to make our work easier and we assure the government of proper utilization of this facilities. Shun crime, violence and say No to Protest. Crime, and Criminalities in our communities are not tolerated, make these communities better place to live and to carry out our daily bread” Olusan counselled
The Divisional Police Officer, Adegbemi Isiaka from Adekunle Police Station assured the communities of security of lives and properties. He pledged full support and cooperation with the joint Task Force. to work on security related matters to ensure the safety of lives and properties in the Community. He further said any case reported to the to police on criminals would be promptly responded into..
The Votes of thanks were given by the Secretary to the Local Government Chairman, Hon Wasiu Ogunniyi who appreciated the Chairman for being the principal host. Also appreciate all the people present at the security Paley for their efforts to tackle the issues of insecurity in the communities
At the security deliberation are members of the Joint Task Force, Baale Ifakayode Adegboyega Junaid Baale Oyingbo, Baale of Otunmara Baale in Kalejaiye Kehinde amongst others.
*Public Affairs Unit*
*LMLG Media Team*