By Niran Odufayo (Lagos)
The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that the recent withdrawal of police officers assigned to lawmakers, VIPs, and private individuals is part of a personnel audit.
The move aims to curb unauthorized deployments and ensure adequate security for the general public.
Commissioner of Police, CP in Lagos State, Mr Jimoh Moshood explained that the audit is a standard procedure to account for police officers, firearms, and equipment.
He emphasized that the exercise is not limited to Lagos and is not politically motivated.
“This is not unique to Lagos; all police commands nationwide are conducting similar audits to ensure that personnel are properly deployed and not misused for private purposes,” Mr Moshood said.
The audit revealed that several prominent individuals and business executives had police escorts without valid approval, while some officers were found on unauthorized assignments.
As a result, the police command ordered the immediate withdrawal of security details from those affected.
Mr Moshood stated that the exercise aims to identify officers posted without valid approval or on illegal duties.
“The audit revealed that several prominent personalities and business executives had police escorts without valid approval, while some officers were found on unauthorized assignments,” he said.
He stressed that the move is in the interest of public safety, given Lagos’s population of over 20 million.
“In Lagos State, we have less than 18,000 police officers. Our priority must be to protect the lives and property of the general public. Officers deployed illegally or without proper authorization must be recalled and reassigned to their primary duties,” Mr Moshood explained.
The commissioner also addressed the status of security personnel attached to lawmakers.
He confirmed that police officers assigned to Mojisola Meranda were reinstated after the audit, while additional security was approved for former speaker Mudashiru Obasa due to reported threats to his life.
Mr Moshood denied any political bias in the exercise, distancing the command from reports of a break-in at the Speaker’s office.
“The police remain neutral in political affairs,” he said.
He urged affected individuals to revalidate their security approval or apply formally to the Inspector-General of Police for fresh approval.
“The Special Protection Unit at the Force Headquarters is now solely responsible for VIP security deployment nationwide,” Mr Moshood added.
Meanwhile, amid tensions at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the police command has deployed additional personnel, including units from the Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Bomb Squad, and conventional police teams, to reinforce security.
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