Lagos State has boldly declared that it is fully prepared for the takeoff of state police. The announcement comes amid growing national debate over decentralized policing in Nigeria.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Prince Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, said the state’s security structure is already positioned for a smooth transition. Moreover, he described Lagos as a frontrunner in community-based policing.
Speaking with journalists, Oyekan stressed that the agency has evolved beyond a basic neighborhood watch model. Instead, it now operates as a structured and technology-driven institution.
The Lagos State police readiness stance was clearly emphasized during the media briefing. According to Oyekan, the agency’s design makes it adaptable to a full state police system once constitutional approval is granted.
“We are not designed to merely react to incidents,” Oyekan said. “Our Corps Officers are trained to anticipate, prevent, and mitigate security threats before they occur.”
He explained that the agency has undergone major restructuring. Furthermore, its operations now rely on intelligence gathering and digital tools. This approach, he said, aligns with global best practices in community policing.
The LNSA boss noted that Lagos is ahead of many other states in preparing for state policing. However, he acknowledged that final implementation depends on legal backing at the federal level.
Oyekan was recently reappointed for a second five-year term by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. The renewal of his tenure was described as a vote of confidence in the agency’s direction.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to grassroots security. Under Governor Sanwo-Olu’s leadership, the Corps will continue to grow into a modern institution. In addition, it will focus on efficiency and quick response to threats.
The renewed push for state police has sparked discussions across Nigeria. Meanwhile, Lagos continues to position itself as ready for immediate rollout once approval is secured.
Oyekan maintained that the goal is a safer Lagos. He stressed that preparation today will prevent chaos tomorrow. Therefore, strategic planning has been prioritized over reactive measures.
