The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has vowed to tackle crime aggressively while enforcing professionalism and accountability within the force.

Speaking during his inaugural address on Thursday, the 42nd Commissioner of Police in Lagos said the Command would adopt intelligence-led and technology-driven policing to secure Nigeria’s commercial capital.

“This appointment is not only a privilege but a call to service, responsibility, and accountability to the millions of residents who rely on the Nigeria Police Force for safety and security,” he said.

Why It Matters

Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, faces rising urban security challenges — from violent crime to cultism and traffic-related offences.

Mr Fatai said a secure environment is critical for economic growth and public confidence, especially as Lagos evolves into a smart megacity.

Key Security Strategy

The police chief outlined a multi-layered approach to policing, focusing on prevention, intelligence, and community collaboration.

“We will adopt proactive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based policing strategies to effectively address security challenges across the State,” he said.

He warned that criminal elements would no longer find refuge in the state.

Community and Youth Engagement

The Commissioner emphasised rebuilding public trust as a cornerstone of his leadership.

“We will continue to build trust, deepen cooperation, and encourage residents to see the Police as partners in progress.”

He added that youth engagement would be prioritised to prevent crime and foster mutual respect between citizens and law enforcement.

Zero Tolerance for Police Misconduct

Mr Fatai made a strong commitment to discipline within the force, warning officers against misconduct.

“Discipline, professionalism, and integrity will be non-negotiable… The Command maintains zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of unprofessional conduct.”

He said any officer found culpable would face sanctions under the law.

Collaboration with Security Agencies

The Lagos Police Command will continue working with other security bodies, including:

Military

Department of State Services (DSS)

National Intelligence Agency (NIA)

Nigeria Immigration Service

This, he said, would improve intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.

Public Complaint Channels

Residents were encouraged to report misconduct or security concerns through official channels:

Complaint Response Unit (Calls): 09111111150

WhatsApp: 09111111151

Police stations and Public Relations Office

“Prompt and effective response is assured,” he said.

Continuity and Leadership Transition

Mr Fatai also acknowledged his predecessor, Olorundare Jimoh, pledging to build on existing security frameworks.

He thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for entrusting him with the role.

What’s Next

The Command says its immediate priorities include:

Reducing crime rates across Lagos

Restoring peace in identified hotspots

Improving investigative capacity

Impact on Residents

For Lagos residents, the new strategy could mean:

Increased police visibility

Faster response to complaints

Improved accountability within the force

Greater community involvement in policing

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have reaffirmed their commitment to joint operations to tackle drug trafficking at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal in Lagos.

This follows a courtesy visit by the newly appointed Commander of NDLEA’s Tincan Strategic Command, Solomon Gbadebo Omotosho, to the Customs command on Wednesday.

The meeting, held at the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Area Command, focused on strengthening collaboration and improving intelligence-sharing to combat illicit drug movements through Nigeria’s busy maritime corridor.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s seaports remain key entry and exit points for international trade and, increasingly, for illicit drug trafficking networks.

Authorities say improved coordination between enforcement agencies is critical to disrupting these networks without slowing legitimate business operations.

Customs: Ports remain frontline in drug enforcement

Welcoming the delegation, Acting Customs Area Controller, Bolaji Lukman Adigun, described the engagement as “timely”.

“The port environment remains a critical frontline in the prevention of illicit drug movements,” he said.

He reaffirmed the Command’s dual mandate of enforcing regulations while ensuring smooth trade facilitation.

Adigun highlighted key strategies including intelligence sharing, coordinated cargo profiling, and joint cargo examinations.

“Sustained intelligence sharing, coordinated cargo profiling, and joint examination procedures are key to enhancing operational effectiveness and curbing drug trafficking syndicates,” he added.

NDLEA: Stronger synergy needed

NDLEA Commander Solomon Gbadebo Omotosho said the visit was aimed at building a strong working relationship with Customs.

“This visit is necessary to establish a strong working relationship with the KLT Command and reinforce operational synergy in addressing narcotics trafficking,” he said.

He stressed the importance of seamless communication and proactive intelligence exchange.

“There is a need for seamless communication, proactive intelligence exchange, and coordinated enforcement actions to achieve measurable results.”

Omotosho added that the NDLEA remains committed to dismantling illicit drug networks in partnership with Customs and other agencies.

Symbol of cooperation

The visit included an exchange of plaques between both agencies, symbolising goodwill and a shared commitment to long-term cooperation.

Both sides pledged to deepen collaboration and maintain a united front in protecting Nigeria’s maritime borders from criminal activities.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say inter-agency rivalry has historically weakened enforcement in Nigeria’s ports.

However, recent efforts to improve cooperation could boost efficiency and reduce duplication of duties.

Port operators also note that better coordination may help balance stricter enforcement with faster cargo clearance.

What’s next

Both agencies are expected to expand joint operations, improve intelligence systems, and strengthen monitoring of high-risk cargo.

Observers say sustained collaboration and accountability will be key to delivering long-term results.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has held strategic meetings with Nigeria’s top military leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, in a move aimed at strengthening national security coordination.

The visit, described as a courtesy call, forms part of ongoing engagements between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Officials say the discussions focused on improving intelligence sharing, boosting inter-agency cooperation, and reinforcing joint operations to address security threats across the country.

Why it matters

Nigeria continues to face multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and organised crime.

Security experts have long argued that better coordination between the police and the military is key to tackling these threats effectively.

The latest meeting signals renewed efforts by authorities to close operational gaps and ensure a more unified response.

Push for stronger collaboration

During the meeting, Mr Disu stressed the need for sustained cooperation between security agencies.

“There is a need for sustained synergy among the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force in maintaining internal security, protecting lives and property, and ensuring national stability.”

Analysts say such collaboration is critical, especially in intelligence-led operations where timely information-sharing can prevent attacks and improve response times.

Industry and public perspectives

Security analysts note that overlapping responsibilities between agencies have, in the past, slowed response efforts.

Members of the public, particularly in high-risk areas, are likely to see this as a positive step if it translates into improved safety and reduced crime rates.

What’s next

Observers say the success of the initiative will depend on how well these agreements are implemented on the ground.

There are also calls for continued joint training, unified command structures in operations, and stronger accountability mechanisms.