Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has issued a stark warning to criminals: reform your ways or leave the state. Speaking at his inaugural briefing on Tuesday afternoon—shortly after taking office as the 41st Commissioner—Jimoh vowed to make Lagos a hostile environment for wrongdoers.
Under his leadership, the police, in partnership with other agencies, will intensify efforts to safeguard law-abiding citizens and their property. Jimoh outlined plans to introduce new crime prevention and control strategies, highlighting that specialized units such as the marine police and tactical squads would receive enhanced support to boost operational effectiveness.
According to Jimoh, the marine police will be re-equipped and tasked with patrolling Lagos’ creeks and riverines, targeting criminals who use these waterways to enter the state and commit crimes. He noted that Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun has procured gunboats and other high-tech equipment for the marine unit—an essential element of the IG’s strategic policing plan.“New and varied crime prevention, control, and management strategies will be adopted to nip all forms of criminal activity in the bud, especially violent crimes,” Jimoh declared. He added that the command would take a proactive stance—detecting early warning signs and responding swiftly to any threat that might escalate into public disorder or a breakdown of law and order.Jimoh detailed that current tactics against crimes such as traffic robbery, general robbery, and cultism—as well as efforts to curb violence in known hotspots—would be revitalized and enhanced to remove criminals from Lagos’ streets. “The full weight of the law will be applied to offenders in this state. Criminals are strongly advised to repent, abandon their illegal activities, or leave Lagos. From now on, this state will be too hot for the underworld,” he warned.He also commended his officers for their dedication, which has already contributed to a reduction in violent crimes, and urged them to continue their hard work. Emphasizing the importance of human rights, Jimoh warned that any infringement, however minor, would be met with strict sanctions.Acknowledging the groundwork laid by his predecessor and senior officers, Jimoh assured that their achievements in ensuring peace and security for Lagosians would be built upon. “While the current crime rate is manageable, my administration will redouble efforts in collaboration with the state government and the public to further minimize crime and ensure that residents and businesses—both local and multinational—can operate in a safe environment,” he said.Furthermore, Jimoh promised robust protection for the significant investments made by both government and private investors in Lagos State. He expressed gratitude to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun for entrusting him with the role of Lagos Police Commissioner and pledged to implement policing practices that meet international standards, as envisioned by the IGP.
Concluding his address, Jimoh stressed the critical role of the Lagos Police Command as the lead internal security agency. “To achieve our security objectives, we will work closely with the state government, community leaders, investors, traditional rulers, religious figures, and other key stakeholders committed to ensuring safety. We will also strengthen our partnerships with sister security agencies to implement a unified approach to combating crime in Lagos State,” he affirmed.
