Ambode seeks new police area commands for Ikorodu, Badagry

Lagos State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode (right)with Inspector General of Police (IGP), Idris Ibrahim, during the IGP’s visit to the
governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja… yesterday.

• Lagos is pacesetter in security matters, says IGP

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday requested for two additional Police Area Commands to enhance security in the state.

Ambode, who made the request when the Inspector General of Police, Idris Ibrahim, visited him at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, said the additional area commands should be set up in Ikorodu and Badagry.

He assured that the state government was ready to provide the funds to set up the commands, adding that although funding was key to security but security was fundamental to the growth and prosperity of Lagos.

He stated that the state support all security agencies such as the Navy, the Police and others to ensure that Lagos was safer, investor friendly and contribute more to the nation’s economy.

Citing the multi-billion dollar investments being planned for the Lekki corridor and the need to secure the area, he also requested that the Mobile Police Command in Ibeju-Lekki be relocated to Epe.

Ambode, while thanking Idris and Acting President Yemi Osinbajo for their intervention in securing the release of the six kidnapped students of Igbonla Model College, said the incident showed the need to beef up security in the riverine borders of Ondo, Ogun and Lagos states.

He said the South West Governors Forum at a recent meeting had resolved to set up a Joint Task Force (JTF) on security to stop criminals using the waterways as escape route, just as he sought the IGP’s support towards ensuring the success of the initiative.

In his response, Idris commended Ambode for his support to the Police Command in the state, especially in providing equipment and welfare for the officers, saying that Lagos was leading the way in security matters through its Security Trust Fund (STF), which had become a national model.

“Lagos has been a pacesetter in various areas. You have been very dynamic. You are the first government to introduce the STF and this is a concept we are trying to introduce at the national level. ”