The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has urged residents and community stakeholders not to leave the fight against crime solely to the police, calling for active collaboration with security agencies to maintain peace and reduce criminal activities.
Tijani made the appeal on Thursday during a stakeholders’ security meeting organised by the Area D Police Command in Mushin, Lagos.
The meeting focused on strengthening partnership between the police and members of the community to address lingering security challenges, particularly cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of criminality.
“Do not leave crime-fighting to the police alone. All of us must take part. Let us collaborate with the intelligence and security agencies, so that we can reduce crime in our communities,” the Commissioner stated.
He emphasised that effective community policing depends on the active involvement of traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, and ordinary residents. Tijani urged members of the public to promptly share information about suspicious individuals and activities with security agencies, assuring them that such intelligence would be handled confidentially and appropriately.
The police boss also warned residents against harbouring or providing accommodation for criminals. “If we are not criminals, why do we allow criminals to infiltrate our areas? We should not welcome or accommodate criminals in our communities,” he said.
Tijani highlighted the critical roles of traditional institutions, community leaders, and young people in resolving disputes amicably and preventing the spread of criminal elements within neighbourhoods.