As Lagos State prepares for its local government elections on Saturday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has assured residents of adequate security and a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the polls.
Speaking with journalists shortly after leading a “Show of Force” operation in collaboration with the military and other security agencies across the state, the Commissioner said that the police and its partners are fully prepared to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
According to CP Jimoh, security planning has been in motion for months and has been executed in three phases: pre-election, election day, and post-election. He disclosed that more than 20,000 police personnel have been mobilised and deployed across Lagos State’s 13,003 polling units in all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
“We are fully ready. All deployments are complete. Our men have been properly briefed, and all critical areas have been covered. Lagosians can be assured of their safety throughout the electoral process,” he said.
In addition to police personnel, the Commissioner confirmed that the military, Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security outfits are part of the operation. He added that patrols—both land and marine—are ongoing, with covert deployments in sensitive areas to prevent potential threats or violence.
To further guarantee safety, a restriction of movement will be enforced from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on election day. The time adjustment, he explained, is to allow for medical emergencies and travel needs, especially for persons with scheduled international flights.
Reacting to claims by a civil society group that the police might be compromised during the election, CP Jimoh dismissed the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. He reiterated the neutrality of the Nigeria Police Force and emphasised that the command remains committed to protecting the integrity of the process.
“No one has filed any petition or presented any evidence of misconduct against the command. We remain apolitical and professional. Our focus is on securing lives, properties, and the credibility of the electoral process,” he stated.
The Commissioner also issued a strong warning to political actors and troublemakers to steer clear of violence, stressing that the police would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone who attempts to disrupt the elections. He assured voters that law enforcement would give special attention to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
CP Jimoh called on political stakeholders to play by the rules, noting that the police are working closely with all parties and electoral officials to ensure transparency and order. “This is a grassroots election. It is crucial that the people are allowed to decide freely. We will protect that right,” he concluded.