By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has declared the state a no-go area for criminals following months of sustained security operations across the state.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday during a Show of Force exercise, Jimoh said that the operation, which began in September, involved daily patrols across Lagos, covering major roads, residential areas and strategic locations.

He said that the Initiative had yielded positive results, as the state had not recorded any major crime of concern during the period.

Jimoh said that the show of force was carried out to boost the morale of police personnel.

He reassured residents and visitors of the police’s readiness to protect lives and property, especially during the Christmas and New Year festivities.

“The Christmas celebrations were peaceful, including festivals that had not been held for several years.

“Thousands of events held across the state were successfully secured by the police, ” he said.

The commissioner disclosed that the police had ensured adequate deployment of officers and tactical teams across Lagos, both on inward and outward routes, to disallow criminal elements into the state.

He said that security operations had also been extended to neighbouring Ogun, to secure entry points into Lagos.

According to him, special tactical units and marine police teams have been deployed to riverine areas in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Addressing concerns about arrests during festive events, the commissioner said that police actions were guided strictly by law, noting that funfair activities were permitted as long as they do not constitute crime.

The police boss said that there was no breakdown of law and order during the celebrations.

The commissioner assured residents that heightened security operations would continue beyond the festive period and into January to ensure safety on the roads and in homes across the state.

He reaffirmed commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to community -oriented policing and maintaining peace and security throughout Lagos State. (NAN)