The Lagos State Police Command has deployed personnel to major protest flashpoints across the city as part of proactive measures to maintain peace and reassure residents of their safety following reports of demonstrations in other parts of the country.
Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, gave the assurance during a press briefing on Monday in Ikeja, following a “Show of Force” operation carried out by the command.
“Lagos remains safe, calm, and secure. We want residents to go about their lawful activities without fear,” Jimoh stated.
“Our officers have been strategically deployed to areas known for previous protests such as Lekki Toll Gate, Ojota, Maryland, and Gani Fawehinmi Park to ensure that no unlawful gatherings disrupt the peace.”
Jimoh explained that the show of force was not only a warning to potential troublemakers but also a demonstration of the command’s readiness to respond swiftly to any breach of peace.
He emphasized that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, the police would not tolerate any form of disruption under the guise of civil demonstrations.
“Protests are legal, but once they become disruptive or violent, they cross the line. We will not allow anyone to infringe on the rights of others or cause chaos,” he warned.
According to the Commissioner, all divisional commands have been directed to submit situation reports every 15 minutes to ensure real-time monitoring of developments across the state.
As of Monday, there were no reports of unrest or traffic disruptions, and areas such as Ojota, Maryland, and Lekki remained peaceful, with officers maintaining a visible presence.
“Lagos is free of any form of protest or violence at the moment, and we are committed to keeping it that way,” Jimoh added. “We’ll continue monitoring and patrolling all critical areas to preserve the safety and security of every resident.”
The deployment comes amid nationwide protests calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Demonstrations in Abuja earlier in the day saw clashes between security operatives and protesters, with tear gas fired to disperse the crowd.
The protest was spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore and backed by some opposition parties.
Kanu, currently in detention, is facing charges including terrorism and treason. The Federal Government accuses him of inciting violence and promoting separatist sentiments through Radio Biafra and online platforms.
While Lagos has remained calm, the police say they are maintaining high alert to prevent any spillover of unrest into the state.
