Lagos Police Deploy Tactical Teams, Intensify Patrols Ahead of Eid el-Kabir

The Lagos State Police Command has unveiled a comprehensive security strategy to guarantee a safe and peaceful Eid el-Kabir celebration throughout the state.

In a statement released Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, on behalf of Commissioner of Police CP Olohundare Jimoh, it was confirmed that various police units would be strategically deployed across Lagos.

CP Jimoh has ordered the immediate deployment of conventional police officers alongside specialized units, including the Rapid Response Squad and the Eko Strike Force, to key locations statewide. The goal is to proactively prevent and deter any criminal activities during the festive period.

“Special anti-crime prevention teams have also been deployed to identified black spots, criminal hideouts, and other flashpoints to prevent crimes and criminality throughout the state, build public confidence, and dispel the fear of crime from the minds of all Lagosians and visitors alike, to guarantee safety and ensure a hitch-free Eid el-Kabir Sallah celebration during this festive season and beyond.”

It added that to strengthen operational coverage, the commissioner also deployed highly trained officers from the Force’s elite units.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has deployed strike forces of the NPF and tactical squad officers from the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Special Protection Unit, Intelligence Department, Anti-Bomb Squad, and conventional teams across the state, with Armoured Personnel Carriers and other vehicular patrol teams, to focus strictly on providing security and protection at all Eid praying grounds, mosques and religious facilities, venues of gatherings and celebrations, and other areas of recreation, in order to ensure the safety and security of Muslim faithful and other non-Muslims who will be joining in the celebrations”, the statement further stated.

The command also reassured Lagosians that key public spaces would receive heightened security attention. “Recreation centres and other venues expecting large crowds will be closely monitored,” the statement said. “These areas will be thoroughly policed to ensure effective crowd control, smooth traffic flow, and unhindered movement throughout Lagos State during the festivities.”

“Additional proactive measures are being implemented to prevent crimes, ensure prompt detection of criminal activity, and address any emerging security concerns across the state.”

The statement further added that maintaining peace throughout the celebration remains a top priority for the Lagos Police Command, stating, “The maintenance of public order before, during, and after the festivities remains the utmost priority of the Command. The Lagos State Police will lead, coordinate, and work in close synergy with other security and safety agencies in the state that complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining internal security—such as the military, paramilitary agencies, LASTMA, and other relevant departments of the state—to ensure the safety and protection of all Lagosians and visitors during the festivities and beyond.”

“The Commissioner of Police, therefore, implores all Lagosians to be law-abiding, tolerant, and cooperative with police officers in the discharge of these responsibilities.

“Parents and guardians are also urged to prevail on their children and wards to remain law-abiding and to resist any attempt to be used to disturb the public peace before, during, and after the celebration.

“The full weight of the law will be applied to any disorderly individuals or groups of miscreants whose actions may constitute a disturbance of the peace or a violation of the rights of others during and after the Sallah celebration,” the statement added.

Lagosians were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity and reach out in case of emergencies.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, further encourages Lagosians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station for immediate response and action.

“In case of any emergency, the Lagos State Police Command’s control rooms can be reached via 08063299264 and 08065154338,” the statement added.

“The Commissioner of Police, therefore, implores all Lagosians to be law-abiding, tolerant, and cooperative with police officers in the discharge of these responsibilities.

“Parents and guardians are also urged to prevail on their children and wards to remain law-abiding and to resist any attempt to be used to disturb the public peace before, during, and after the celebration.

“The full weight of the law will be applied to any disorderly individuals or groups of miscreants whose actions may constitute a disturbance of the peace or a violation of the rights of others during and after the Sallah celebration,” the statement added.

Lagosians were also encouraged to report any suspicious activity and reach out in case of emergencies.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, further encourages Lagosians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station for immediate response and action.

“In case of any emergency, the Lagos State Police Command’s control rooms can be reached via 08063299264 and 08065154338,” the statement added.