The Nigeria Police Force, yesterday, deployed 1,250 special constabulary police officers, in a bid to improve community policing in Lagos.
Speaking during the passing-out ceremony in Ikeja, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged the officers to operate within the guidelines that had been given to them.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, said the constabulary police had been recruited to perform a very important job of improving the existing security architecture and making it more effective.
He said their major responsibility was to support the operations of the command through credible and timely intelligence on activities within the community.
According to him, “these activities may result in perpetration of crime and threat to the safety of lives and property, hence, the need to tame them.
“The issue of security and safety of lives and property has been a major source of concern, which requires deliberate and urgent attention by the government and the cooperation of citizens.
“To address this challenge, there is a national consensus on the need to embrace community policing identified as a potent strategy that will complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police in combating crime.
“Today, major progress has been made toward making this initiative a reality.”
“The passing out parade of 1,250 special constabulary officers, who have undergone training specialty designed to equip them with the skills required for the job, is an indication of the commitment of the government to this initiative,’’ the governor said.
He said the officers’ welfare would be accorded priority and everything needed to carry out their assignment most efficiently and effectively, would be provided.
“Let me also appeal to all Lagosians, especially community leaders and associations, to support this initiative by cooperating with these officers.”
