In the face of rising concerns over security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, retired Major-General Tajudeen Olanrewaju has offered insights and recommendations to address the pressing issue.
The retired military officer emphasized that the focus should be on implementing strategic measures rather than the installation of street gates.
In a comprehensive analysis, Major-General Olanrewaju highlighted the alarming security situations faced by Nigerians, including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and the activities of hoodlums, touts, and street urchins.
He acknowledged that these challenges are often attributed to systemic failures and weak policing, particularly in urban areas like Lagos State.
Major-General Olanrewaju challenged the prevailing notion that re-installing street gates, such as those proposed for Lekki Phase 1, is the definitive solution to internal security concerns.
He questioned the effectiveness of such measures and raised concerns about the negative impact on residents, including instances of residents being locked out and difficulties during emergencies.
The retired military officer commended the efforts of the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunboh Wahab, in bringing sanity to the ministry.
Major-General Olanrewaju suggested a decentralized control room system across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Lagos State, manned by specialists trained by various security agencies.
Drawing inspiration from successful models like Dubai, Major-General Olanrewaju proposed a phased implementation starting with one Local Government in each division (IBILE) and a special installation at Sangotedo along the Lekki-Epe route.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with security agencies and the effective use of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund for equipment purchase, training, and essential security requirements.
Additionally, Major-General Olanrewaju urged improved standing and mobile patrols by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Police, Nigeria Army, and other security agencies.
He called for the assignment of these patrols to specific LGAs, targeting a coverage of 60% of the state to significantly reduce the crime rate.
Expressing concern about the role of transport union members, particularly the NURTW, in traffic-related issues, Major-General Olanrewaju called for stricter measures, emphasizing the need to deploy technology to address the challenges.
He urged the state government to allocate resources for the security of lives and properties, stating that the responsibility ultimately rests on the governor’s table.
Closing his analysis, Major-General Olanrewaju, a former Minister of Communications and a member of the Provisional Ruling Council, expressed his concern about the upcoming gubernatorial election in 2027.
He pledged to work with other stakeholders to ensure the election of an IBILE INDIGENE who would prioritize the state’s resources for the benefit of its citizens.
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