The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state command, CP Tijani Fatai, Thursday, raised the alarm over the rising wave of cultism and gangsterism in parts of Lagos, particularly within the Agege axis.
He called for urgent community collaboration to tackle the menace.
Speaking at a security meeting organised by the Orile-Agege local government council comprising Orile-Agege, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Agege, the Police Commissioner described the situation as deeply troubling, especially given his personal ties to the area.
“This is my home, my house, my area,” he declared, expressing disappointment that criminal activities are gaining ground in a community he once knew for peace and safety.
Fatai recalled his early years in the area, noting that residents could once move freely without fear.
“There was nothing like this level of criminality. You could walk at any time of the day without fear of being attacked,” he said.
The CP, who has served in various capacities within the Lagos State Police Command including the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Intelligence Unit, and Financial Crimes Department stated that he cannot take pride in his position if crime continues to thrive in his home base.
Highlighting cultism and gang violence as the predominant security challenges, Fatai lamented the frequent killings linked to these groups.
He said, “Today, one person is killed; tomorrow, two others. This must stop,” he stated.
He called on residents to take ownership of security in their communities, while urging them to provide useful information to law enforcement agencies.
“If you know these boys, call us. Let us pick them up. Security is not a one-man business,” he said.
According to him, effective policing depends largely on community support and intelligence sharing.
“We cannot do it alone. Collaboration with the people is key to achieving a safer society,” he added.
The CP cited Mushin as an example where community collaboration successfully reduced cult-related violence. He stated that through collective efforts involving community leaders, youth, and security agencies, the situation improved significantly.
