The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP. Olohundare Jimoh, has assured residents of the state of a peaceful, secure, and impartial environment ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing following a state-wide multi-agency “Show of Force” exercise, CP Jimoh emphasized the command’s full preparedness across all phases of the electoral process—before, during, and after the polls.
“We have planned meticulously. From the primaries and campaigns down to the elections, we are ready,” the Commissioner stated.
“This operational readiness is not by accident but a product of deliberate planning, inter-agency collaboration, and stakeholder engagement.
”The police chief revealed that over 20,000 security personnel, including specialized units of the Nigeria Police Force, have been deployed to the state’s 13,003 polling units across all 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas.
He also disclosed the involvement of other sister agencies—including the military, Navy, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps—deployed to strategic areas to enhance surveillance and reinforce public confidence.
“In sensitive riverine areas, joint marine patrols are already ongoing with the military. We’ve also made covert deployments to known flashpoints across the state,” CP Jimoh added.
To ease movement while maintaining security, the police chief announced a reviewed restriction order for election day. Movement will now be restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a shift from the earlier 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule, following consultations with stakeholders.
He clarified that exemptions will be made for emergencies and international travel.Responding to concerns over police neutrality, CP Jimoh firmly asserted the command’s non-partisanship:
“We are not working for any political party. Our loyalty is to the Constitution and the Electoral Act. Any insinuation of bias is unfounded and appears to be a ploy to discredit the process.”
He added that no formal complaints or petitions alleging compromise have been filed against the command.To ensure the full protection of voters, particularly vulnerable populations, the police will provide special support for persons with disabilities and other at-risk groups.
Elite tactical units, including the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Strike Force, and Anti-Riot Units, remain on high alert to respond swiftly to any security breach.
CP Jimoh issued a stern warning to political actors and their supporters against engaging in acts of violence, ballot snatching, or electoral disruption, stating that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
“This election is about grassroots governance. The people must be allowed to freely choose their leaders. Lagos is safe, and we are ready to protect the will of the people,” he concluded.
