By Augustine Ehikioya
With proactive steps taken since August 2023, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, AIG Ali Muhammed Ari, has declared that crime rates in the Zone 2 area of responsibility are lower than other Police zones in the country.
According to the AIG, whose zone covers Lagos and Ogun States, Lagos State is very safe for those coming to celebrate the Christmas and new year festive seasons and those coming on business trips.
In an exclusive interview with Security Watch Africa (SWA), he said “Lagos is very very safe. We are not saying Lagos is completely free of crimes, no society anywhere globally can pride itself of being crime free.
“We have our own fair share of crimes and criminality here. But I want to tell you that crime rate in Lagos cannot be compared with other States in terms of what we have on ground.
“We have everything in place. The State government is doing its best, the Federal government to a large extent has been very supportive. Logistics are everywhere, patrol teams are everywhere.
“Lagos is a no-go area for crime generally, we are doing our best. Lagos is safe for anybody coming for Christmas or business,” he stated.
Speaking further on the preparation for the Ember months, he said “This Zone is fully prepared for the ember months. From September to date crime rates have been very very low because of the strategies put in place.
“As far back as August, we have already sent out our Operational Order to the two Commands warning them on the need for them to be proactive in view of the coming of the ember months.
“Our men are strategically positioned on the roads fighting crimes day and night, ensuring that Lagosians and people in Ogun State sleep with their two eyes close.
“And also businesses thrive without any fear of molestation or being attacked. For me at this end, it is so far so good, we are doing very very well. We are on top of the situation,” he said.
Asked what roles the communities should play to help the Police, he said “They should partner with us closely in line with the spirit of community policing, sharing information about crime and criminality with us so that we can be right there and ensure these criminals and crimes generally are nipped at the bud.”
According to him, such information will help the Police to tackle crimes headon.
He also explained that the Police are also proactively present whether there is information from the communities or not.
Also speaking on the readiness of his men to work in accordance with the plans of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, he said “Our men have been fully motivated and remunerated to make sure they fight crime and make the IGP and the nation proud.”
Noting that the IGP has not rested since he assumed office, he said that it is the duty of his men to support the IGP to succeed.
“This is why crime rates have been brought down drastically in the zone,” he added.
