By Esther Onyegbula

Stakeholders in Lagos have thrown their weight behind the State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, as he steps up efforts to curb cult-related violence through strengthened community policing and sustained engagement across flashpoints.

The endorsement came as the Ezendigbo of Ijegun Ijeododo, Eze Chika Nwokedi, commended the police chief’s proactive security approach following a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Area Commander, Area M Command, Tokunbo Abaniwonda, during the Commissioner’s operational visit to the command.

The meeting, which drew community leaders and security stakeholders from the Alimosho axis, focused on the rising incidence of cultism in areas such as Idimu, Ikotun, Igando and Egbeda.
Speaking after the session, Nwokedi described the engagement as timely, noting that it provided a platform for frank discussions on strengthening community policing as a practical response to insecurity.

He urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence rather than resort to self-help or violence.
“Civilians must not take laws into their hands. The way forward is through cooperation, intelligence sharing and community-driven solutions that will help the police act swiftly,” he said.

Nwokedi further called on residents of Idimu, Ikotun, Igando and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and proactive in providing useful information that could aid crime prevention.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace and development, the traditional ruler stressed that trust and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities remain critical to tackling crime effectively.

Earlier, CP Tijani reiterated his resolve to enhance security across the state through stakeholder engagement and community-based policing strategies.
He disclosed that since assuming office on March 26, 2026, the command has prioritised advocacy meetings, crime prevention initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at reducing criminal activities.

According to him, the ongoing tour of police formations, including Area M Command, is designed to assess operational challenges, improve efficiency and boost officers’ morale.
The Commissioner, however, identified manpower shortages, logistics constraints and inadequate equipment as major impediments to effective policing.

He warned that lack of cooperation from residents could embolden criminal elements, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
“The police cannot do everything alone. We need the support of the people to expose those involved in criminal activities,” Tijani said.

Raising concern over the growing threat of cultism, the CP described the activities of cult groups as a serious danger to lives, property and economic stability.
He particularly urged residents in Agege, Idimu and adjoining communities to remain alert and volunteer credible information, assuring that such intelligence would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Tijani also called on parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility in guiding youths away from crime by instilling discipline and upholding societal values.
He added that the command would intensify operations targeting criminal hideouts, sustain patrols in identified flashpoints and deepen collaboration with communities to improve overall security.

Stakeholders at the meeting, in their separate remarks, pledged continued support for the police through enhanced information sharing and stronger community engagement.
Eze Chika Nwokedi, who is also the President of Ndigbo Buru Otu Association of Nigeria, attended the visit alongside executive members of the association.