The Lagos State Police Command has reinstated the security details of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Meranda, after withdrawing them earlier in the day.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, made this announcement on Thursday during a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja. He explained that the temporary withdrawal of security escorts attached to Meranda’s office and residence was part of an ongoing audit of police personnel and firearms in the state.
Police Explain Security Withdrawal
Jimoh clarified that the audit was a routine procedure aimed at ensuring accountability for police officers assigned to VIPs.
“Periodic audits of police personnel attached to eminent personalities and groups is a statutory procedure laid down by the police. This is not limited to the Lagos State Police Command alone; it ensures that police personnel are accounted for, including their firearms and other crime-fighting equipment in their possession,” Jimoh said.
He emphasized that the process helps to verify the deployment of officers and prevent misuse of security resources.
“The exercise will also give the command the opportunity to identify where police personnel have been posted without approval or those who are on illegal duties and unapproved duty posts. This will allow us to withdraw those from unapproved posts, those with invalid approvals, and those on illegal duties, redeploying them to police posts, stations, divisions, and area commands to provide security and safety for all Lagosians,” he added.
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Lagos Faces Security Challenges
The police commissioner noted that Lagos, with a population of over 20 million people but fewer than 18,000 police officers, needs more security personnel assigned to public safety rather than private individuals.
“Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, with a population of more than 20 million but with a total police personnel strength of less than 18,000, needs more officers at police posts, stations, and divisions to ensure the safety and adequate protection of lives and property in the state,” Jimoh stated.
New Rules for VIP Security
Going forward, Jimoh announced that police officers assigned for personal protection will be centrally managed by the Special Protection Units at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He explained that some of the police personnel currently guarding VIPs in Lagos lack proper approval, and their assignments will now be reviewed.
“In the ongoing personnel audit, some approvals for police personnel in Lagos State attached to certain personalities cannot be traced or verified. However, they can still apply to the Inspector-General of Police for approval, which will be treated urgently on merit,” he said.
He also noted that this audit is not limited to Lagos but is being conducted across all state police commands in Nigeria.
What This Means for VIPs
The new measures mean that VIPs, including politicians and business leaders, will need to obtain proper authorization from the Inspector-General of Police to retain their security details. The move is expected to free up more police officers for public security duties across Lagos State.
For now, Speaker Mojisola Meranda’s security has been fully restored, putting an end to concerns over her safety and the political tensions surrounding the withdrawal.