The Lagos State Government yesterday explained the heavy presence of security operatives in Ikorodu and its environs, saying the onslaught is part of efforts to liberate residents from hoodlums, pipeline vandals and other undesirable elements that have continued to make the ancient town the base of their nefarious activities.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, while briefing journalists after an emergency Security Council meeting, said government was committed to ensure that the hoodlums, terrorising Ikorodu, disturbing the peace in the town and making life unbearable for residents, did not have a field day any longer.
He said security surveillance would be carried out 24 hours throughout the week, adding that the activities of the hoodlums and the criminal elements in the area had become unacceptable and uncontrollable.
Owoseni added that the government could not fold its arms, but take necessary actions by deploying security operatives in the area.
“Government will not allow criminal elements in the state and we want to say that the immunity for the vandals is over, the arbitrariness and uncontrollable rape, vandalism and harassment are over,” he stated.
Owoseni appealed to residents not to panic as they might witness or hear sporadic gunshots, urging them to go on with their normal activities.
He, however, cautioned them to restrict their movements to areas where the operations were not intensive.
The police commissioner added: “Residents are advised to restrict their movement and be informed also that we are going to restrict the use of both motorcycle (okada) and tricycles (Keke Marwa) in the area to ensure optimal and maximum performance for the operation.
“As government, we are concerned about the security situation in the state especially the activities of hoodlums and vandals in the area. We are assuring residents that the end of such activities is near and it won’t be business as usual in the area, they should not panic as we have directed security operatives in the area not to harm innocent civilians but make security of lives of the people their utmost concern.”
Among those present at the briefing included the Director, State Security Service, Mr. Kunle Ajanaku; Chief of Staff, Mr Samuel Ojo; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Johnson Kokumo.