The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a strong warning to individuals and groups planning to stage protests in the state, emphasizing that any attempt to disrupt public peace or obstruct critical infrastructure will be met with the full force of the law.
Addressing journalists in Lagos at the Iyana- Oworo axis of the Third Mainland Bridge during a confidence building patrol, CP Jimoh disclosed that the Police Command had deployed personnel to key strategic areas across the state, including the Third Mainland Bridge, Ojota, Maryland, Abiola Garden, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Gbagada, and the Lekki Toll Gate. He said the proactive deployment was to forestall any unlawful gatherings that could threaten peace and public safety.
“We have made massive deployments since last night to ensure that no individual takes the law into their own hands or disrupts the peace that residents of Lagos are enjoying,” CP Jimoh stated. “No person or group should think it is wise to engage in acts that threaten the safety of lives and property.”
The Police Commissioner stressed that while the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed, it must be conducted within the ambit of the law and without endangering public order or obstructing essential infrastructure. He particularly warned that the Third Mainland Bridge, a major economic artery linking Lagos Island and the Mainland, must not be blocked under any guise.
“Thousands of Lagosians, including those attending to emergencies or engaged in daily economic activities, rely on that bridge. Any obstruction could endanger lives,” he noted.
CP Jimoh reaffirmed that the Command supports lawful, peaceful demonstrations but would not tolerate any form of anarchy, emphasizing that those who attempt to exploit civic space for criminal or political motives will face immediate prosecution.
“What we have seen in some instances are not peaceful protests but attempts to cause public disorder. Such actions will not be tolerated. Anyone hiding under the guise of activism or protest to cause mayhem will be treated as a criminal. Lagos is peaceful, and we intend to keep it that way,” he said.
On the recent demolition of structures in Oworonshoki, the Police Commissioner clarified that security operatives only provided lawful protection for government officials during enforcement actions, insisting that the police acted within the scope of their duties. He added that several raids had led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and the arrest of criminal suspects who had been using some illegal structures as hideouts.
“We are not against genuine residents. But the government must protect the public from criminal elements. Compensation has been provided to verified occupants, and the process was transparently conducted,” CP Jimoh stated.
Mr. Jimoh said “The government will not permit any obstruction or unlawful gathering that could affect movement, safety, or public order. Lagos remains open for business, and residents are advised to go about their normal activities without fear,”.
Both the Lagos State Government and the Police Command assured that adequate security personnel have been deployed across the state to maintain peace and order, protect lives and property, and ensure that all activities proceed without disruption.
“Freedom of expression is part of our democracy,” CP Jimoh concluded, “but criminality will never be condoned.”