Posted by By Paul Dada on
As the yuletide approaches, the Lagos State Police Command has beefed up security within and around the metropolis. Police Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were noticed in strategic places within Lagos.
As the yuletide approaches, the Lagos State Police Command has beefed up security within and around the metropolis. Police Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were noticed in strategic places within Lagos.
A brand new APC was seen stationed under the bridge at Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja. The vehicles were also sighted at Iyana Isolo, Oshodi and Iyana Ipaja. P.M.News learnt that this move might not be unconnected with the recent rise in armed robbery and violence in Lagos.
On Monday, a gang of armed robbers, disguised in police and army uniforms, operated at Oke-Koto area of Agege. The robbers attacked motorcycle shops and a fuel station in the area. A gang of armed robbers also stormed Wuraola Street in Shogunle, Oshodi, where they dispossessed residents of their belongings.
A resident of the street, Omoyeni, told P.M.News: 'We were visited by men of the underworld last night, in our compound. They took handsets, money and injured a resident. P.M.News also gathered that the APCs were placed in trouble-prone areas to forestall violence, like that witnessed in Mafoluku, Oshodi, last week, when rival OPC factions attacked each other.
When contacted, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mbah, denied that the APCs were deployed to strategic areas in the state to check the upsurge in crimes. He denied that there was an upsurge in criminal activities in the state at this period, saying that the Command had been able to put in place an effective strategy to put criminals at bay.
'Apart from the challenge we recently had with the UBA robbery, the crime rate in Lagos is low. We should be able to commend the government and the people of Lagos for their support. We also want to commend the critical section of the press for their support,' he stated.
Mbah explained that the 10 APCs provided for the police, by the Lagos state government, were deployed in strategic areas to tackle crimes. 'I assure you that the command will continue to render services to Lagosians so that they can enjoy their sallah and christmas holidays,' he stated.