The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has assured residents of the state that security agencies are fully prepared to provide adequate protection before, during, and after the July 12 local government elections.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Ikeja, Jimoh emphasized that the police, in collaboration with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission, have finalized security arrangements to ensure a peaceful and credible poll across the state.
“We have fine-tuned all the arrangements to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election,” Jimoh said. “Our operational order is out and deployment of personnel has commenced across all 20 local government areas and the 37 Local Council Development Areas.”
He further revealed that the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the deployment of additional officers and the provision of necessary equipment and logistics to bolster security efforts.
“The IG has given us everything we need—from manpower to logistics. We have also brought other security and safety agencies in Lagos on board,” the CP added. “We are not leaving anything to chance.”
To meet the manpower requirements stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Jimoh disclosed that officers from other states would also be deployed in Lagos for the exercise.
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“We’ve conducted threat assessments and identified potential flashpoints. These areas are being given special attention,” he explained.
Urging residents to participate actively in the election, the police boss noted that over six million voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and encouraged them to come out in large numbers.
“Fifteen political parties are participating and are already campaigning. We want the electorate to come out and vote for the candidates of their choice,” Jimoh said.
He appealed to political stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully and adhere strictly to the rules governing the electoral process.
Jimoh also mentioned that a decision on movement restrictions on election day would be reached after scheduled meetings on Thursday and Friday.
Additionally, he clarified that security outfits not recognized by the Federal Government would not be allowed to participate in election-related duties.
“Our control room will be fully operational, and all agencies will be represented so that any issues can be addressed swiftly,” he concluded.
