New Lagos Police Chief Assumes Office, Vows War on Criminals

Published 23 hours ago4 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
New Lagos Police Chief Assumes Office, Vows War on Criminals

The new Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has officially assumed duty as the 42nd Commissioner, taking over from CP Olohundare Jimoh, who served as the 41st Commissioner from February 18, 2025, to March 26, 2026. This appointment, confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, marks a new chapter for the command under CP Fatai's leadership, which he declared would ensure criminals have no hiding place in the state.

CP Fatai, speaking during his inaugural address after a handover ceremony with his predecessor, AIG Olorundare Moshood, unveiled a policy thrust anchored on continuity, professionalism, and integrity. He emphasized that his administration would build upon existing security frameworks, deploying proactive, intelligence-led, and technology-driven strategies to combat crime. Having been "part and parcel of the previous administration for about three-quarters of its tenure," Fatai asserted his contribution to past successes and highlighted his approach as a "continuation with a futuristic approach."

Recognizing Lagos as Nigeria's economic hub and a leading mega city transitioning into a smart city, Fatai acknowledged the unique and complex security challenges it presents. He affirmed the Command's resolution to protect lives and property, stressing that a secure environment is vital for economic growth and public confidence. His strategies include adopting community-based policing to address security challenges, fostering trust, and encouraging residents to collaborate with the police. Criminal elements, he warned, would find no safe haven in Lagos.

Further detailing his strategic priorities, CP Fatai outlined a commitment to strengthening community engagement, youth involvement, and media collaboration. He also underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation, pledging to work closely with the military and other security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinate operations effectively.

Addressing the officers and men of the Command, CP Fatai made it clear that discipline, professionalism, and integrity would be non-negotiable. He stated a zero-tolerance policy for police brutality and unprofessional conduct, assuring that operations would adhere strictly to the rule of law and respect fundamental human rights. Any personnel found in violation would face consequences according to extant laws. Additionally, personnel welfare and training would receive due attention under his leadership.

On operational fronts, the Commissioner outlined plans to intensify efforts to reduce overall crime, tackle cultism and violent offenses, improve traffic discipline, enhance visibility policing, and restore peace in identified flashpoints across the state. He expressed confidence in his understanding of Lagos's policing landscape and his ability to implement necessary interventions to keep crime at a minimum.

CP Fatai, a native of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He attended Anwar-ul-Islam College, Agege, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Ogun State University (now Olabisi Onabanjo University). Enlisting in the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, he has held numerous strategic positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Department of Operations at the Maritime Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, and at the Lagos State Command Headquarters, Ikeja. He also served as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Department of Finance and Administration, Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos. His diverse career also includes roles as Area Commander in Ilaro (Ogun State), Maiduguri Metro (Borno State), and Area C (Surulere, Lagos); Squadron Commander of 5 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Benin (Edo State) and 17 PMF in Akure (Ondo State); Officer-in-Charge of the Homicide Section at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lagos; and Divisional Police Officer in Ogere (Ogun State), Ijanikin, and Alakara (Lagos State). His extensive track record of leadership, professionalism, and dedication underscores his preparedness to effectively steer the affairs of the Lagos State Police Command.

The Commissioner urged residents to actively participate in maintaining security by reporting misconduct and rights violations through designated channels. He provided specific complaint channels: the Complaint Response Unit via 09111111150 (calls) and 09111111151 (WhatsApp), the Public Relations Office, or the nearest police station, assuring prompt response and accountability. He concluded by emphasizing that "Security is a collective responsibility" and assured the government and people of Lagos State that his command would remain committed, responsive, and accountable. He further pledged to consolidate ongoing reforms, enhance internal security, strengthen inter-agency collaboration, and foster community partnerships, all while advancing the mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

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