The huge investment in security by the Lagos State government is paying off for Lagosians. But many stakeholders believe the battle should be invigorated in the nation’s economic nerve centre. Deputy Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.
The most important duty of a responsible and responsive government is security of life and property. An atmosphere of peace is critical to progress and prosperity. Without security, no meaningful social, political and economic development can take place.
That is why Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his team have accorded security a great priority. Since the Lagos is relatively peaceful, the tempo of migration to the metropolis is huge, in addition to its natural attraction as the national economic headquarters, home of big business and perceived greener pastures.
The growing insecurity across the is worrisome. It did not start under the current Bola Tinubu administration. But, it is growing in leaps and bounds. Terrorism, kidnappings, banditry and other forms of violence are seem not to be abating, despite the concerted efforts by the Federal Government.
Many states groan under terror. Today, it would appear the activities of public enemies have subsided; tomorrow, there is escalation of tension. On the whole, many communities are enveloped by anxiety. No geo-political zone is insulated.
However, Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state, and the commercial capital has been relatively peaceful. According to observers, the atmosphere of tranquility is attributed has to the state government’s proactive and huge investments in security architecture. The governor and his team have been up and doing in mobilising security agencies in the state to form a synergy in the ardous task of keep the state safe from contemporary marauders.
Statistics on the impact of insecurity is scary. The worsening national economic situation, as reflected in pervasive hunger and hopelessness, soring poverty and squalour have led to an upsurge kidnappings for ransom. Also, indulgence in ‘yahoo business,’ and ritual killings have been on the increase.
According to the SBM Intelligence, an Africa-focused, geopolitical research and strategic communications consulting firm that addresses the critical need for political, social, economic and market data, and big data analytics, violence has taken its toll on socio-economic wellbeing.
Between July 2023 and June this year, the report, titled: “Grim Reaping: Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry – A 2024 Update,” stated that 7,568 individuals were abducted in 1,130 incidents across the country.
During the same period, the report stated that “kidnappers demanded at least the sum of N10, 995, 090, 000 (approximately $6, 871, 931) as ransom, but received N1,048,110,000, a mere 9.5 per cent of the money demanded, indicating that kidnappers have become less targeted in their victimology.”
The Northwest states of Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina have the highest numbers of incidents. In the reported kidnapping cases,1,130 were victims.
Zamfara ranks highest with 132 incidents, 1,639 victims, and 146 civilian deaths. Kaduna had 113 incidents with 1,113 victims; while Katsina reported 119 incidents with 887 victims. The three states also have the highest number of civilian deaths.
The report added: “In the year under review in this report, kidnapping has become more lethal, with 1,056 people killed in 1,130 reported kidnap incidents. On average, someone is killed each time there is an attempted kidnap.”
This year, there have been panic in the North due to the increase in the cases of mass abductions. Households are in turmoil. There is apprehension. The targets include the rich and the poor. Even, traditional rulers and retired Generals were not spared. A Sokoto monarch was adopted. After the kidnappers received millions of naira as ransom, he was killed, dashing the hope of his loved ones about safe return.
From January to June, the report stated that there were 135 mass abductions involving at least, five victims per incident, with 3,277 kidnapped and 125 killed.
The Southeast stands out for paying the highest ransoms, totalling N419.2 million out of the N645 million demanded, representing a 65 percent collection rate – the highest across the board.
The report said: “There is speculation that the kidnap figures from the Southeast might be underreported. However, sources indicated that sustained pressure from security forces on criminal and separatist groups like IPOB and its rival splinter factions had reduced their capacity to carry out such attacks.”
However, despite its huge population, large scale commercial activities and daily migrations, Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state with an estimated 24 million inhabitants, recorded only seven cases of kidnap. Ekiti and Osun States recorded six cases each. Gombe had only one reported kidnap case while Jigawa, Bayelsa, and Kano have two, three, and four cases respectively.
Lagos, which on the average receives over 100,000 people from across the country daily has not fret under the yoke of the unscrupulous elements who create troubles in other states.
Although many think that the state could be vulnerable, porous and attractive to perpetrators of kidnap for ransom, the reverse is the case. Lagos is one of the safest states as revealed by the report.
Sanwo-Olu has not slept on guard. Although the governor has not flaunted it, many Lagosians believe that it is highly commendable. A former minister, who hails from Osun, had to flee from Ilesa because an unknown quantity was kidnapped from his above, a stone throw from his residence. The second day, he relocated to Lagos. Narrating his experience to reporters in Lagos, he said:”If an somebody who is not known like me could be kidnapped, and we live on the same street, I know they will come to me if they know I live on the same street. That is why i returned to Lagos, a safe place.”
In the last five years, Sanwo-Olu has proved that he is best placed to protect Lagosians from potential and real threats. He has justified the confidence repose in him. Governance in Lagos is not a tea party. Thus, he put his thinking cap on, acknowledging early that meaningful development could not exist without comprehensive security, and that securing Lagos requires more than military power or siloed technology systems.
Lagos is a complex state. Its people are sophisticated. Many things require protection in the state. The most populous state needs effective security solutions for incident prevention, emergency response, surveillance, evidence collection, and investment decisions. Therefore, ‘Security and Governance’ is one of the pillars of his T.H.E.M.E.S agenda. THEMES means Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century State; Entertainment and Tourism, Security and Governance) development agenda.
Sanwo-Olu had hit the ground running. He assured Lagosians tbat he would not let them down, saying: “We will make sure that we create the right environment in which security and safety of lives and property is guaranteed. Our ultimate goal would be to ensure that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work, and invest in.”
The governor has been proactive and pragmatic in the handling of the state’s security. He has provided support for the police and other security agencies, donated security assets, including communication gadgets, ballistic vests and helmets, and anti-riot water cannon vehicles.
Sanwo-Olu has provided Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), patrol vehicles, and patrol motorcycles for use by the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force. Additional men were equally recruited into the Neighbourhood Security Watch to complement the efforts of existing security personnel.
The Sanwo-Olu administration has also substantially supported the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). It is an interventionist agency established in 2007 as a public-private partnership organisation to raise funds and cater to the needs of security agents and agencies. The goal is that businesses and individuals could develop their potential and succeed in reaching their goals while also being able to engage in social events and other recreational activities in a secure environment.
Sanwo-Olu said: “This administration has been working closely with security agencies in the state in our firm resolve to raise the bar of governance, which includes ensuring a well-secured and safe environment for investment and other socio-economic activities to thrive.
“We strongly believe that investment in security must be prioritised because the security and welfare of the people remain the primary duty of any government.”
In January, the governor said N7 billion would be raised in support of the agency to enhance the capabilities of the security agencies. He promised to provide 300 vehicles to bolster the logistical operations of security operatives across the state.
Also, surveillance is the watchword in Lagos. Security has become a joint enterprise involving the participation of all and sundry: government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the community development associations, youths and security agencies.
The state government is installing smart cameras connected to a Command and Control Centre, where many points in the city are monitored in real-time. The command and control centre has direct lines to the Police emergency first responders, and fire and rescue service, among others.
From October 2022 to September last, the Lagos State Police Command reported notable milestones. According to the late Waheed Ayilara, former acting Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, out of 189 robbery incidents, 172 were thwarted, resulting in the arrest of 257 suspects. Also, 175 cultists were also arrested and 108 of them were prosecuted.
Two months ago, a gang of kidnappers were bursted in Mushin, following effective intelligence gathering. Seven of them were killed; two escaped.
In four years, Lagos has not armed robbery attack against any financial institution in the state. This is the longest period in which no bank has been attacked in the state over the last two decades.
Sanwo-Olu, who reflected on the prevailing atmosphere of peace, said: “Our efforts have paid off as Lagos State still retains the record for the longest number of years without a bank robbery. Also, our security agencies have been able to keep home invasions at a minimum while seriously tackling cases of kidnapping and other emerging security matters.”
He added: “We achieved this through the magnanimous donations of a few corporate organisations and individuals with the support of the Lagos State Government and Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas.”
Without doubt, Sanwo-Olu is making good his promise to create the right environment in which the security and safety of lives and property are guaranteed while ensuring that Lagos State remains one of the top destinations on the African continent to live, work and invest in.”
