The Lagos State Police Command has reported a significant drop in crime across the state during last year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations, noting that no major security incidents were recorded despite the influx of visitors and numerous public and religious events.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, attributed the development to intensified patrols, deployment of special tactical teams, intelligence-led operations, and sustained officer visibility across the state.
Speaking during an interview on Wednesday, Jimoh said the peaceful celebrations were the result of deliberate planning and coordinated operations, noting that the command activated multiple security formations, including the Lagos Rally Force, Tactical Squads, Anti-Cultism (Anti-Courtesy) Squads, Nightlife Squads, and Marine Patrol Units to deter criminal activity.
The security operations covered Christmas, New Year, and other end-of-year festivities, a period marked by crowded religious programmes, concerts, social gatherings, and state-organized events.
The measures, he said, were implemented across Lagos State, including major roads, coastal areas, waterways, nightlife hubs, event centres, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and the newly opened coastal road.
According to Jimoh, “The stable security situation recorded during the festive season was not by chance. We had an operational order in place, and officers were deployed strategically across the state. I was personally present at several events to supervise and ensure compliance.”
“We strengthened our tactical squads from 23 to 35 units, with plans to expand to 57 to cover all local governments and LCDAs. We also adopted a convoy patrol system across area commands and deployed 30 to 40 patrol teams along the coastal road,” he added:
The police boss further disclosed that nine additional gunboats were deployed to Lagos waterways, alongside a newly created Submarine Tactical Squad to complement the Marine Police, ensuring security along riverine and coastal corridors.
Jimoh said the command will sustain the current security momentum, adding that a comprehensive action plan for 2026 is being rolled out to further strengthen crime prevention and public safety across Lagos State.
