By Esther Onyegbula

In a move aimed at strengthening security and curbing criminal activities, the Chairman of Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, has announced a ban on night parties and restricted the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, to between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily.

The directives followed a special security meeting convened by the council and attended by heads of military and paramilitary agencies, representatives of hoteliers, youth groups, traditional institutions and other key stakeholders operating within the local government area.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Hunpe said the measures became necessary following a careful assessment of security reports and consultations with stakeholders on emerging security challenges in the area.

According to him, the resolutions were part of broader efforts to prevent crime, enhance surveillance and ensure the safety of residents and visitors within the council.

He said: “Following careful assessment of security reports and stakeholder inputs, the council approved a series of preventive and regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding lives and property and enhancing security surveillance.
“Among the key resolutions adopted are the restriction of commercial motorcycle (okada) operations to the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily.

“This is as part of efforts to curb night-time criminal activities often facilitated under the cover of darkness, improve enforcement visibility and reduce accidents associated with late-night operations.”

Hunpe added that all commercial motorcyclists operating within the local government area would henceforth be required to wear officially identifiable safety vests to facilitate proper identification and monitoring by security agencies.
He explained that the measure would strengthen accountability and assist law enforcement agencies in tracking movement patterns where necessary.
The council chairman further announced that all social activities held at night, including parties, street jams and carnivals, must now end by 7:00 p.m.

“The council also directed that all night social events, including night parties, street jams and carnivals, must conclude by 7:00 p.m., in line with broader efforts to reduce late-night disturbances, prevent escalation of avoidable security incidents and promote a safer community environment for residents,” he stated.
Hunpe also disclosed that the activities of metal scavengers and collectors, commonly referred to as “bowlers,” had been restricted to between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.

According to him, the decision was taken to ensure effective monitoring of their activities, prevent criminal elements from exploiting the trade for unlawful purposes and improve traceability within local communities.
He stressed that the newly introduced measures were preventive rather than punitive and were designed solely to protect lives and property.
“The council emphasised that these measures are preventive, not punitive, and were introduced strictly in the interest of public safety, community stability and the protection of lives and property,” he said.

Hunpe noted that rising security concerns across various communities required proactive responses from government authorities, adding that the council remained committed to balancing economic activities with the need to guarantee the safety of residents.
He urged all affected stakeholders to comply fully with the directives, assuring that security agencies mandated to enforce the resolutions would do so professionally and with respect for human rights.

The chairman also dismissed rumours circulating on social media regarding the alleged presence of bandits in Badagry, describing the reports as false and misleading.
He said investigations conducted by relevant security and intelligence agencies had debunked the claims.
“In this regard, the Chairman called on members of the public to remain vigilant and strongly advised against the sharing or circulation of unverified information capable of causing panic or undermining public peace,” a statement from the council noted.

Meanwhile, Hunpe also held a strategic engagement with leaders of traditional vigilance and night watch groups known as the Zangan as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and deepen community-based policing initiatives.
The meeting was attended by executives of the Badagry Local Government Community Development Committee, CDC, the umbrella body of Community Development Associations, CDAs, across the council area.

During the engagement, the chairman charged CDC leaders to continue supporting and providing incentives to Zangan groups operating in their various communities to complement the efforts of security agencies.

Commending the vigilance groups for their contributions to maintaining peace and security, Hunpe described them as a critical component of the local government’s security architecture.

“Security is a collective responsibility. While government continues to support conventional security agencies, the role of community-based vigilance groups remains indispensable in safeguarding our neighborhoods.
“We must continue to work together to ensure that Badagry remains peaceful, secure and conducive for development,” he said.

Discussions at the meeting centred on improving collaboration between the Zangan and conventional security agencies, strengthening intelligence gathering and information sharing, enhancing surveillance activities and addressing emerging security threats across communities.

Hunpe also emphasised the need for professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the rule of law by members of vigilance groups, noting that sustainable security outcomes could only be achieved through effective collaboration among community stakeholders, development bodies and security institutions.

Responding, representatives of the Zangan and the Community Development Committees expressed appreciation to the chairman for recognising their contributions to local security and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at maintaining peace, protecting residents and preserving law and order across Badagry Local Government Area.