Stop Parading Yourselves As Security Agencies, CP Edgal Warns Vigilante Groups

JEFF EZEMADU/Badagry

The Acting Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Egdal Imohimi on Thursday warned various vigilante groups operating in the State to stop parading themselves as security agencies but rather to partner with the Police.

This warning was made during a security meeting at the Badagry Town Hall with the traditional rulers and various vigilante outfits in the area.

According to the Police boss, the Police High Command is working so hard to improve on the relationship between the Police and the civil society.

“We are aware that the civil society has lost confidence in the Nigerian Police Force due to corruption and some other professional misconducts exhibited by our men. We are taking drastic measures to eradicate the bad eggs in our midst and reposition the force the way it should be.

“One of the measures we have put in place to checkmate this menace is the Citizen Call Centre. It is created to entertain complaints from the general public on the conduct of our men”, he said.

CP Omohinmi added that one of the Police primary responsibilities is to provide adequate security to the public and the Force is committed to do this.

He however advised all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPO) to be more proactive in promoting working relationships with their host communities, vigilante groups, traditional rulers, and community  and youth leaders by meeting with them from time to time, which will help in sharing of information and fishing out the criminals in the society.

He also advised them to act promptly and be confidential on sensitive information provided.

In our efforts to make Lagos the safest place to live, it must be a collective responsibility.

He informed that the Police High Command has approved a new Area Command for Badagry and the building is to commence soon.

Those present at the meeting includes the operatives of Department of State Services (DSS); the Area Commander, Area K; DPOs of Badagry, Seme and Morogbo; vigilante groups, and the representative of the Aholu of Badagry Kingdom.