The Lagos State Government has urged residents to remain calm and be vigilant, in view of some security challenges confronting the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, on Saturday in Lagos.

The statement quoted Ayorinde as saying that the Police and other security agencies have intensified efforts to rid the state of hoodlums, armed robbers and suspected terrorists.

“The current reality is that, times have changed and the need to urge every citizen to be more security conscious is now paramount.

“Due to the economic hardship being experienced all over the country, Lagos State has become the prime destination for several thousands of people who throng in, daily, with no plan to return.”

Ayorinde said that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested 45 suspected Boko Haram members, who allegedly planned to attack Dolphin Estate in Ikoyi area of the state.

He said the state government was confident in the combined efforts of DSS, Police and other security agencies to keep the state free of terror attacks and stamp out robbery and other crimes.

The commissioner said that the state government would not relent in its constitutional duty to ensure safety of lives and property throughout the state.

Ayorinde said that influx of people to the state had put unprecedented pressure on road infrastructure, traffic management and burden on housing and hospitals all across the state.

“It has also constituted security threat which now requires every citizen to be extra vigilant.

“Our appeal goes to every school, housing estates, religious houses, markets, shopping complexes, hotels and restaurants and sporting arena to take issues of security and personal safety more serious.”

Ayorinde further implored them to promptly report suspicious persons or unusual gathering to government and security agencies for action.

He advised the people to be conscious of who they employ as domestic servants and house aides in the interest of security.

The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state government to rid the state of hoodlums and miscreants operating in the state.

Ayorinde, who said that criminal element always harbour in the uncompleted and abandoned houses, urged owners of such property to complete or secure them or have the law to contend with.

“The state government sympathises with victims of armed robbery and violent other crimes.

“It promises continued funding of the state security apparatus and will do everything within its power to arrest the unwholesome situation.” (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ambode.