The Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has boasted that the state recorded zero bank robberies in four years, the longest period over the past 20 years.
Sanwo-Olu made this known on Tuesday at the 17th Town Hall Meeting on security organised by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), linking the development to the continuous review of the State’s security architecture and surveillance measures, according to a statement titled Lagos Records Zero Bank Robbery Four Years In A Row by his chief press secretary Gboyega Akosile.
“Celebrating a milestone in security as Lagos achieves four consecutive years of zero bank robberies, marking a significant improvement in safety across the state.
“Our relentless efforts in enhancing security have yielded results. At the 17th Town Hall meeting on security, we discussed the progress made and strategies to further fortify safety in Lagos State,” the governor tweeted.
He assured of his government’s commitment to boosting security measures in the coming year.
“I am proud to announce plans to boost security measures in 2024. I spearheaded the LSSTF donation drive, raising N2bn in voluntary contributions. I am grateful for Mr. Femi Otedola’s pledge of N1bn and other generous donations,” he said.
“We are strengthening LNSC for enhanced intelligence gathering and restructuring the Emergency Call Centre for better reporting. We’re also providing 300 new patrol vehicles to support security agencies, a testament to our commitment to a safer Lagos.”
Lagos, however, recorded 189 cases of residential robberies under the year in review, 172 of which were successfully foiled by security operatives and 257 suspects arrested.
Sanwo-Olu pledged that 2024 would kick off with new security measures, disclosing that his administration would be raising the fleet of patrol vehicles for security agencies by 300 units. He said this will be done in collaboration with local government authorities.
Giving the report of the crime situation in Lagos, Acting Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, said 103 firearms, 324 assorted ammunition and 279 dangerous weapons were recovered during the year.
He said 158 cases of murder were recorded, with the incidents resulting in the death of 163 victims. Also, 18 kidnapping suspects were arrested in connection with eight incidents.
The police boss also raised the alarm on the rising cases of domestic violence and abuse, noting that 256 cases of gender-related violence were recorded with 333 suspects in custody.
LSSTF Executive Secretary, Dr. AbdurRazaq Balogun, said Lagos State Police Command only received nine patrol vehicles from the Federal Government within two years, stressing that the Fund used donations it received in the last 10 months to bridge the equipment shortfall within federally controlled security agencies operating in Lagos.
Lagos, Balogun said, remained the only State with 28 functioning bullet-proof vehicles, with three vehicles’ armoured features being replaced every five years.
On his part, LSSTF BOT Chairman, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said although the economic situation in the country had affected donations to the Fund, the agency surpassed its revenue target by 94 per cent.
“The unstable economic climate largely influenced by increasing foreign exchange rates has been a major challenge to fundraising. This makes the donation drive even more pertinent for us especially, as there is no alternative to the collective funding model given, the indication that the Government cannot do it alone,” Durosinmi-Etti said.
