LAGOS: 1,563 policemen for inauguration, 25,000 on red alert

The Lagos State Police Command says it will deploy 1,563 officers in the venue of the inauguration of the state Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Onikan.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, who disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, said the over 25,000 officers in the command would also be placed on red alert in their respective divisions.



Nwosu added that the police would ensure that there was no breach of security at the venue, and in any part of the state.

He said, “The Lagos State Police Command is ready for the inauguration. The Commissioner of Police, Kayode Aderanti, did assure the people that we would ensure a safe atmosphere during and after the election. The people can attest that we delivered on that.

“The CP has again reassured that the inauguration will be calm and hitch-free. We are deploying 1,563 officers in the venue to ensure that there is no breach of security. This is in addition to the over 25,000 policemen in Lagos who will be placed on red alert in their respective divisions.

“We are doing all that are necessary not only to ensure a safe inauguration, but also to give one that Lagosians will always remember. Since it is a scheduled programme, we have done all our rehearsals, and our officers in their special uniform will roll out.”

The police spokesperson, who noted that some areas around the stadium would be cordoned off, added that the only group of people who were not expected at the inauguration were trouble makers.

He said, “We have put all the security architectures in place, which include all our combat teams. The Police Mobile Force, the Anti-Terrorism Unit, the Mounted Troops and others will be there. We are going to dominate the environment, and be very open, but firm.

“We assure all attendants of adequate security, and in conjunction with the state government, there have to be areas around the venue where movement will be restricted. Whichever area this concerns shall be made known. The only category of people that are not expected at the TBS are those who want to foment trouble.”