Police chief orders clampdown on cultists, guns in Lagos

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Idowu Owohunwa said illicit firearms and cultism were the major threats to security and peace in the state.

The police chief spoke on Friday at a conference attended by strategic heads in the Lagos Command 

Owohunwa assured that the security agency would sustain efforts to mop up all unregistered guns and check cultists’ activities.

The meeting, which reviewed policing during the general elections in February and March, evaluated performances and highlighted lessons learned.

The conference also discussed the trend of crimes in the metropolis, current strategies, and the experiences of senior officers.

Owohunwa said Lagos residents expect service and professionalism, assuring that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority.

The “immediate challenge” is the increasing threat of violent criminals and cultists, the CP noted while urging strengthened operational strategies.

Owohunwa announced the deployment of an elitist and well-trained Special Operations Police Units to locations where cultism is prevalent.

Also, the eight special units domiciled under the CP’s office would either be decentralised or the personnel attached to divisional and area commands.

“All area commanders and divisional police officers are charged to re-invigorate their convoy patrol, intelligence-led operations.

“Armchair DPOs or Area Commanders shall not be tolerated; go out to coordinate operations and supervise your personnel,” Owohunwa directed.