For the fourth consecutive year, Lagos recorded no incident of armed robbery assault against any financial institution in the state — the longest period over the last two decades.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who shared this progress at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) on Tuesday, linked the improvement to the continuous review of the state’s security architecture and the consistent surveillance put in place to nip organised crimes in the bud.
Lagos, however, recorded 189 cases of residential robberies in the year under review, 172 of which were successfully foiled by security operatives and 257 suspects arrested.
While praising the police and sister agencies for their collaborative efforts towards combating crime in the city, Sanwo-Olu pointed out that the state, through LSSTF, had consistently funded the operations of security agencies across communities to ensure quick response to threats and crimes.
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“LSSTF, fueled by voluntary donations, has significantly strengthened our security architecture, providing essential vehicles and equipment. While challenges still persist, our state’s security landscape is notably more stable than many other parts of the country.
“We have equipped and strengthened cooperation among various safety and security agencies; our collaboration with armed security agencies through the Lagos State Security Council remains crucial in acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and men to ensure our safety,” he said.
The governor led the donation drive to LSSTF, raising N2 billion in voluntary contributions to the trust fund at the event.
Oil mogul and businessman, Mr. Femi Otedola, pledged a donation of N1 billion to the fund, just as other donors turned in large donations to the cause.
Giving a report of the crime situation in Lagos, the Acting Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, a DCP, said 103 firearms, 324 assorted ammunition and 279 dangerous weapons were recovered during the year.
He said 158 cases of murder were recorded, with the incidents resulting in the deaths of 163 victims. Also, 18 kidnapping suspects were arrested in connection with eight incidents.
The police boss also raised the alarm on the rising cases of domestic violence and abuse, noting that 256 cases of gender-related violence were recorded with 333 suspects in custody.
The LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr AbdurRazaq Balogun, said Lagos State Police Command received only nine patrol vehicles from the federal government within two years, stressing that the fund used donations it received in the last 10 months to bridge the equipment shortfall within federally controlled security agencies operating in Lagos.
Balogun said Lagos remained the only state with 28 functioning bullet-proof vehicles, with three vehicles’ armoured features being replaced every five years.
