Fire for fire: Lagos CP orders use of firearms to counter armed robbers

Following a report on ‘a notice to strike’ by armed robbers issued to the residents of Igando, Egan, Akesan and Obadore area of Lagos, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Imohimi Edgal, has ordered his men to shot at sight anyone with firearm in the area.

Edgal, who stated this during an emergency security meeting at Igando on Monday, declared a temporary curfew between the hours of 12 am to 4pm in the area saying anyone found outside within the restricted time will be arrested.

The police boss also stated that a team of Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad will be deployed to station at the Obadore area, urging them to respond with firearms to any suspects in possession of arms.

Speaking on other changes made to improve the security situation in the area, Edgal said the Divisional Police Officer in Charge of the Igando Police station had been moved as a new Officer who has understanding of the terrain have been redeployed to the area.

He said, “I have called this emergency meeting because of my style of policing which is community policing and safety partnership. I believe that we have a security problem and we can solve it together.

“ It has come to my notice that the good people of this community are being troubled by hoodlums. I am here with measures to counter them.

“I know the DPO here had been working hard but he will be giving more responsibility as am here with a new DPO who will be briefed and charged with the responsibility of working with you so that we don’t have challenges.

“The new DPO will also send me the list of all policemen in Igando and I will make sure that those that had spent up to three years will be transfered elsewhere.

“I am not a policeman that sits in the office. I am here so that we can identify the hotspots. Where are these hoodlums coming from because it was not like this before.

“Today, before I leave here, the traditional ruler or the Local Government Chairman must provide us a place to station the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS).

“In addition, two brand new patrol vehicles will be deployed and four serviceable communication sets for emergency and coordination. There will also be six additional pin down points.

“ I also want you to form your own vigilante group. They will be joined by three armed policemen to patrol these areas at night. Anybody caught carrying fire arms in the night will be arrested. I have told my men to use their fire arms so be warned.”

To avoid innocent persons falling prey to the order, Edgal advised parents and guardians to admonish their children to avoid night movements especially within the restricted hours.

He also urged hoteliers, the local government boss, the local Council Development area chairperson to support the move to better the lot of the larger society.

Commenting on the development, some members of the community commended the CP and suggested possible pin down locations for police patrol teams.