The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 (Lagos and Ogun States), Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has declared that state policing in Nigeria is fast becoming a reality, expressing optimism that its implementation will deepen grassroots security and enhance public participation in policing.
Jimoh made this assertion while speaking at a two-day statewide security training organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund in Lagos. He noted that recent initiatives under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, have laid the groundwork for a seamless transition.
“State policing is no longer a distant idea; it has come to stay,” Jimoh said. “The Inspector-General has constituted the necessary committee, and we are confident that its implementation will be successful without friction between federal and state structures. It will bring policing closer to the people and encourage community ownership of security.”
The AIG highlighted Lagos as a leading example, noting that elements of state policing are already visible through the coordinated security architecture supported by the LSSTF. According to him, the synergy among security agencies in the state reflects the practical evolution of decentralised policing.
On security outcomes, Jimoh expressed confidence in Lagos’ current safety record, particularly in tackling kidnapping. He attributed this to robust collaboration among the Police, military, and other security agencies.
The training programme attracted participants from multiple security and paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, NDLEA, NSCDC, FRSC, LASTMA, Marine Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, and the Rapid Response Squad, among others.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman of LSSTF Board, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, represented by a board member, DIG Agboola Oshodi-Glover (retd); Executive Secretary/CEO of LSSTF, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan; Commander of 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army and Coordinator of Operation Mesa, Brig. Gen. Ayokunle Owolabi; Comptroller of Nigeria Immigration Service, Lagos Command, CIS Christopher Onajinrin; Comptroller, NIS MMIA Command, CIS Christopher Uzoma; Lagos State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Adedotun Keshinro; Deputy Commander of NDLEA Lagos Command, DCN Akogun James; Commander of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad, CSP Shola Jejeloye; Chief Security Officer to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, CSP Fagbemi Adekunle; and Officer-in-Charge of Marine Police, Lagos, CSP Lekan Faniyi, among others.
