Lagos Governor Sanwo-Olu Outlines Plans to Integrate Proposed State Police into Security System

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has shared how the state plans to incorporate a proposed state police force into its existing security framework to tackle rising insecurity and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.

In an interview, Sanwo-Olu expressed strong support for establishing state police, calling it a crucial step toward creating a more responsive and efficient security system. He explained that having state police would allow Lagos to fully integrate policing operations into its command and control centres.

“If we do have state police, we can ensure that me, as a Chief Executive of the state, can integrate the entire architecture of the state police into our command and control centre,” the governor said.

Sanwo-Olu also noted that President Bola Tinubu is a firm supporter of the state police initiative and is committed to helping Nigeria evolve toward this system.

“And thankfully, Mr President has said that he’ll do everything within his power to see how the country evolves into a state police,” he added.

The governor revealed that Lagos currently has over 7,500 neighbourhood watch personnel, a number that could be increased to 10,000 or 12,000 if the state police are established.

“I have over 7,500 neighbourhood watch. I can actually push to get them to 10,000 or 12,000 tomorrow or next tomorrow,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He further explained plans to harmonise intelligence and surveillance resources across key agencies such as the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA). This would ensure seamless sharing of information and create “a comprehensive, integrated security architecture.”

“The same information that LASTMA has in terms of cameras, the same information that LASEMA has and the state police, we all sit together and we will share it,” he said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu’s comments come amid President Tinubu’s calls for state governors and APC leaders to back the creation of state police and fully implement local government autonomy.