Matilda Omonaiye/
The Lagos State Police Command has explained the rationale behind the sudden withdrawal of police officers attached to certain lawmakers, VIPs, and private individuals, stating that the move was part of an ongoing personnel audit aimed at curbing unauthorized deployments and ensuring adequate security for the general public.
Addressing journalists in Ikeja this evening, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP) Moshood Jimoh emphasized that the periodic audit is a routine exercise conducted across the country to account for police officers, firearms, and crime-fighting equipment.
“This is not unique to Lagos; all police commands nationwide are conducting similar audits to ensure that personnel are properly deployed and not misused for private purposes,” Jimoh said.
The audit revealed that several prominent personalities and business executives had police escorts without valid approval, while some officers were found on unauthorized assignments. As a result, the police command ordered the immediate withdrawal of security details from those affected.
Jimoh assured that the exercise was not politically motivated or targeted at any individual but was purely in the interest of public safety. He cited Lagos’ population of over 20 million and the need to redeploy officers to police stations and divisions where they are most needed.
“In Lagos State, we have less than 18,000 police officers. Our priority must be to protect the lives and property of the general public. Officers deployed illegally or without proper authorization must be recalled and reassigned to their primary duties,” he stated.
The commissioner also clarified the status of security personnel attached to certain lawmakers. He confirmed that police officers assigned to Hon. Mojisola Meranda had been reinstated after completing the audit, while additional security was approved for Speaker Mudashiru Obasa due to reported threats to his life. However, Jimoh distanced the command from reports of a break-in at the Speaker’s office, insisting that the police remained neutral in political affairs.
Following the withdrawal of officers from unauthorized duties, Jimoh urged affected individuals to revalidate their security approval or formally apply to the Inspector-General of Police for fresh approval. He also reiterated that the Special Protection Unit at the Force Headquarters is now solely responsible for VIP security deployment nationwide.
Meanwhile, amid rising tensions at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the police command has reinforced security with personnel from the Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Bomb Squad, and conventional police teams.
“The situation at the Assembly is under control. Lagosians should go about their lawful businesses without fear. The police remain committed to maintaining law and order,” Jimoh said.
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