To ensure hitch-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in Lagos, the state Police Command has deployed 5,000 traffic officers.
Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh announced this yesterday at a press conference on security arrangements for the season.
According to him, the command has intensified security across worship, recreational and public centres in the state to ensure safe usage for legitimate residents and visitors.
Noting the high patronage of beach resorts and islands during this period, the Police chief said a special marine squad created recently, had been on patrol in Lagos riverines in addition to marine command personnel.
The command, he said, has deployed 21 gunboats and special units for maritime patrol to secure waterways and the recently opened Coastal Highway.
Jimoh said Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers have been placed on red alert, warning that any officer found wanting would be sanctioned.
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He said black spots and flashpoints had been raided to prevent criminal gangs from regrouping or planning attacks.
“We have deployed more detectives on the streets, especially at night, to protect residents and visitors. Our security network has been strengthened on land and waterways,” he said.
Jimoh assured residents that the police were in firm control of the security situation, urging those visiting Lagos for end-of-year activities to go about their business without fear, as adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a peaceful yuletide and beyond.
Also, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Police, Western Command, has rolled out security operations across major port corridors in Lagos to safeguard vessels, cargo and port infrastructure during the Yuletide.
Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Western Command, Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Isaac Hundeyin, said land and marine patrols had been reinforced to deter crime and guarantee uninterrupted maritime operations during the festive period.
Agbaminoja said the measures were designed to protect port users, maritime stakeholders and critical national assets as human and vehicular traffic peaks around the ports during the holidays.
The security deployment covers Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Island Port, Lekki Deep Sea Port, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, as well as marine patrol routes extending up to 12 nautical miles within Lagos waters.
The commissioner explained that the strategy is aimed at ensuring seamless port activities despite the seasonal surge in cargo movement, port users and logistics traffic.
Agbaminoja said the Command has deepened collaboration with sister security agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) to enable swift, real-time response to emerging threats.
She added that more personnel had been deployed to congestion-prone areas, while intelligence gathering and surveillance had been heightened to proactively identify and neutralise risks to port safety and national economic assets.
Agbaminoja urged port users and stakeholders to remain security-conscious, comply with laid-down guidelines and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest Port Police Division or Marine Unit.
“The Command wishes to reassure port users, maritime stakeholders and the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining safety, security, and order across all port corridors during the Yuletide period. The command also remains committed to ensuring that activities within the nation’s maritime domain continue smoothly and securely throughout the season and beyond,” the commissioner stated.
