In order to improve operations for efficient community policing, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sent operable vehicles to several local government offices of the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA).
At the agency’s headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos, on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu gave the Commanding Officers the keys to the operational vehicles in his capacity as the General Manager, LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan.
He claimed that the vehicles will guarantee that the organization and its officers successfully carry out their duties.
The governor claimed that the vehicles will increase efficiency and make it easier for officers to move about while gathering intelligence to aid concerned security agencies throughout the state.
He said that it would provide the officers a benefit when they responded to crisis calls in their neighborhoods.
He said, “The new vehicles serve as support from the government in its quest to combat crimes to the barest minimum by providing intelligence reports and also growing community policing within Lagos state.
“Today, I have the pleasure of presenting new operational vehicles, identification badges, vests, raincoats and rain boots to officers of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency to boost operations for effective community policing in the state.
“The items were purchased with the support of the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.
“It is a result of the continued efforts and investment of this administration in actualising the security pillar of the THEMES agenda.
“It is also part of the agency’s rebranding initiatives aimed at equipping officers with the relevant tools to perform their duties optimally.”
The governor also presented letters of appointment to the newly-appointed Divisional Commanders, Corps Officers, Deputy COs and 16 Zonal Coordinators.
“I congratulate all the new appointees whose hard work paved the way for this feat.
“It is expected that they perform their duties with professionalism and shun activities that will bring the agency into disrepute,” he said.
In his remarks, the LNSA general manager urged the officers to be good ambassadors of the agency.
He implored them to collaborate with their communities by creating a cordial relationship which would help them in gathering information.
Oyekan noted that the most active way to reduce crime to the barest minimum is by speaking up when strange things were noticed.
“All officers should ensure they engage their community heads, opinion leaders and Community Development Council (CDC) members.
“This will help us mark black spots across Lagos so we can quickly take action before it goes out of hand.
“We also call on residents of the communities to work in hand with the officers; that is why it is called Neighbourhood.
“It is a collective effort and partnership to create a safer Lagos for all to thrive,” he added.