By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has pledged sweeping reforms aimed at improving public safety, accountability, and community engagement.

Tijani, during his inaugural address at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Thursday, outlined a vision for modern policing that combines professionalism, technology and strong community partnerships.

He described policing in Lagos as both unique and complex, noting that the state’s dynamic environment presents significant security challenges that required innovative and collaborative solutions.

The CP said that public safety remains fundamental to societal progress, adding that the police under his leadership would be prepared to confront emerging threats.

According to him, modern policing must evolve alongside technological advancements and changing patterns of crime.

The police boss highlighted the importance of adopting technology-driven strategies to improve intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and operational efficiency.

“Digital tools and data systems will play a key role in addressing contemporary security challenges,” he said.

The CP also stressed the need for strong collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the military and intelligence services.

“Such partnerships are essential to ensuring a coordinated and effective response to crime across the state,” he said.

He said that a major focus of his administration would be community policing.

Tijani called on residents to see the police as partners in maintaining peace and security, encouraging greater cooperation and information sharing between citizens and law enforcement.

He also underscored the importance of youth engagement, stating that young people must be actively involved in building safer communities.

Tijani said that by fostering trust and inclusion, the police could help prevent crime and promote social stability.

On professionalism, Tijani assured that officers would uphold discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights.

He warned against police misconduct, including brutality, and reiterated that all officers would be held accountable under the law.

“The era of unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated, strict adherence to rules of engagement and ethical standards would guide police operations,” he said.

To improve performance, the CP announced plans to enhance training, welfare and capacity-building programmes for officers.

He said better-equipped and well-trained personnel would be more effective in delivering quality service to the public.

Tijani also outlined operational priorities, including increasing police visibility, tackling crime hotspots, and strengthening response mechanisms across the state.

He added that efforts would be made to improve recruitment, training and retention within the force.

In a move to promote transparency, he encouraged members of the public to report complaints through official channels, including the Police Complaint Response Unit, assuring that grievances would be addressed promptly.

Reaffirming his commitment to accountability and service, Tijani said the command would continue to pursue reforms aimed at building trust, ensuring safety and delivering effective policing for all residents.

The former Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, who was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General of Police and redeployed to head Zone 2 Command, during handover, expressed confidence in his successor.

Jimoh described Tijani as capable of building on existing security gains and ensuring the continued safety of lives and property. (NAN)

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