To ensure real-time surveillance, detection and prevention of crimes on the Third Mainland Bridge and surroundings, the Lagos State Police Command has deployed marine and ground forces for 24-hour patrols.
The patrol teams would work with the state-of-the-art control room built and donated to the Police Command by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Test-running the facilities yesterday, which have been integrated into the state’s security communication architecture, the Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, said it would aid in real-time prevention and detection of crimes, including traffic-related offences, acts of vandalism underneath or on top of the bridge.
Jimoh said the deployment of advanced cameras with range upto Victoria Island and parts of the mainland would further enhance safety and security in the state, warning those who might want to jump into the lagoon, and reckless drivers to desist from such acts as they would be caught.
According to the police boss, the control centre, though the fifth in Lagos, however, has hi-tech equipment that enable integrated policing capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.
According to him, a network of high-tech cameras have been installed at strategic locations across the state and are being monitored from a central control room by trained officers.
“The system enables real-time monitoring of public spaces, major roads, transport corridors, and critical infrastructure. Once suspicious activity is detected, information is relayed in real-time to officers on the ground for swift response.
“We operate a dedicated control group where activities are monitored continuously. Once anything unusual is noticed, whether on the road, in public transport areas, or within sensitive facilities, our teams are alerted instantly to take action,” he said.
To further enhance operational capacity, Jimoh said the command had taken delivery and deployed two new patrol vehicles, donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
“These vehicles are expected to improve response time and mobility during emergencies,” he said, demonstrating how the vehicles, patrol boats and control room work in synergy for seamless operation.
Jimoh said marine security had received a major boost with the deployment of a fully equipped patrol boat from the Federal Government to secure Lagos waterways, terminals, and waterfront facilities.
“The boats, supported by police personnel and surveillance technology including drones, will operate round the clock to deter criminal activities on water, ” he said.
In addition, the commissioner highlighted the effectiveness of the upgraded radio communication network, which allows officers to respond promptly to distress calls and coordinate operations more efficiently across the state.
The police boss expressed gratitude to the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, for donating the control room facility to the command, and for his pledge to provide maintenance support to keep the place functioning.
He also thanked the Lagos State government, especially Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Executive Secretary (ES), LSSTF, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, for their continued support in providing critical security infrastructure, which has placed the state at the forefront of internal security preparedness in Nigeria.
“Our capacity to protect life and property has significantly improved.
These cameras, vehicles, boats, and communication systems represent a major step forward in the security architecture of Lagos State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to professionalism, effective service delivery, and the continuous use of modern technology to make Lagos safer for all.
