The Lagos State Police Command has announced the deployment of more than 10,000 police operatives across strategic locations in the state as part of comprehensive security measures for the Sallah holiday celebrations.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, disclosed this during a security briefing held at the command headquarters in Ikeja on Tuesday, assuring residents that the police were fully prepared to maintain peace, protect lives and property, and respond swiftly to any security threat before, during, and after the festive period.
According to Tijani, the massive deployment forms part of the command’s broader strategy to strengthen visibility policing, deter criminal activities, and guarantee a safe environment for residents and visitors celebrating the Eid festivities across Lagos State.
He explained that police personnel had already been strategically positioned in key areas including highways, worship centres, markets, recreational centres, transport hubs, residential communities, and other public places expected to witness heavy movement during the celebrations.
The commissioner noted that Lagos traditionally experiences a significant increase in both human and vehicular traffic during major festive periods, making proactive security arrangements necessary to prevent crime and maintain public order.
“Our personnel have been deployed across strategic points in the state to ensure effective policing and adequate protection of lives and property during the Sallah celebrations. The command remains fully prepared to tackle any security challenge,” Tijani said during the briefing.
He added that the command had intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering in several identified crime-prone areas, leading to the arrest of a number of suspects allegedly linked to criminal activities.
Although details of the suspects and offences were not immediately disclosed, the commissioner said the ongoing operations had already yielded positive results in curbing threats associated with robbery, cultism, street violence, and other criminal activities.
The police boss further stated that tactical squads, anti-crime patrol teams, Rapid Response Squad personnel, traffic officers, and intelligence operatives had all been mobilised to strengthen security coordination throughout the holiday period.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements, abandoned objects, or unusual activities within their neighbourhoods.
Tijani stressed that the command would maintain round-the-clock patrols and surveillance operations throughout the celebrations to ensure that residents enjoy the festive season without fear or intimidation.
He warned criminal elements against taking advantage of the holiday atmosphere to perpetrate unlawful acts, assuring that the police would respond decisively to any attempt to disrupt public peace.
The commissioner also advised motorists to obey traffic regulations and cooperate with officers deployed to major roads and highways in order to ease congestion and prevent accidents during the period of increased movement across the state.
Security analysts have described the deployment as one of the largest coordinated holiday policing operations in Lagos in recent times, reflecting growing concerns over urban security management in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Lagos, being the country’s busiest economic centre, often witnesses massive inflow and outflow of travellers during festive seasons, placing additional pressure on transportation systems and security infrastructure.
The Sallah period is usually characterised by increased commercial activities, social gatherings, religious events, and nightlife operations, all of which require heightened monitoring by security agencies.
Residents in several parts of the state have welcomed the police deployment, expressing hope that the visible security presence would discourage criminal activity and enhance public confidence during the celebrations.
Religious leaders and community stakeholders also called on citizens to celebrate responsibly and avoid actions capable of threatening peace and public safety.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights while carrying out its operations during the festive season.
The command encouraged residents to utilise emergency lines and official communication channels in reporting incidents or seeking assistance whenever necessary.
As Muslims across Nigeria prepare to celebrate Sallah, the security deployment in Lagos signals renewed efforts by law enforcement authorities to ensure a peaceful and incident-free holiday in one of Africa’s most populated and commercially active cities.
