New Lagos CP Fatal resumes, targets cultism, violent crime
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has pledged to crack down on cultism and other violent crimes as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state.
Fatai made the commitment on Thursday during his inaugural address as the 42nd Commissioner of Police of the Lagos State Police Command.
He said the command would deploy proactive, intelligence-led strategies to tackle security challenges and ensure criminals have no hiding place.
“Our operational focus will include reducing crime to the barest minimum, tackling cultism and violent crimes, strengthening visibility policing, ensuring discipline on our roads, and restoring peace in identified black spots across the state. Criminal elements will find no safe haven in Lagos,” he said.
Describing his appointment as a call to service, Fatai noted that Lagos’ status as Nigeria’s economic hub comes with complex security demands.
“A secure environment is fundamental to economic growth and public confidence. We are prepared to confront these challenges head-on,” he added.
The police commissioner said the command would deepen community policing and strengthen collaboration with residents and key stakeholders.
“We will continue to build trust, deepen cooperation, and encourage residents to see the police as partners in progress,” he said.
He also emphasised youth engagement as a critical strategy for crime prevention.
“Youth engagement will remain a priority. We will constructively engage young people to foster peace and prevent crime,” he added.
Fatai further stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, noting that the command would work closely with the military and other security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
He warned officers against unprofessional conduct, stressing that discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights would be strictly enforced.
“Discipline, professionalism, and integrity are non-negotiable. The command has zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of misconduct,” he said.
He urged residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with credible information, assuring both the Lagos State Government and residents of his commitment to protecting lives and property
