The security of Lagos State is not negotiable, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said yesterday.
At a launch of Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC) at the Agege Stadium, he said the state’s safety and the security of lives and property will now be enhanced.
The Corps officials, he said, were not in competition with the police but would rather complement the police whose years of experience in securing the state cannot be undermined.
According to him, the Corps will provide information to the police, assist in facilitating arrest and penetrate inner areas of local councils with their bicycles, motorbikes, whistles and other gadgets.
“These officers have been trained on how to seek peaceful resolution of conflicts, proactive policing engagement as against reactive policing, dispute mediation, skilful negotiations and other skills that would assist in curbing crime and nipping in the bud the activities of criminally-minded individuals,” the governor explained.
He urged the Corps officials to be civil in their approach, maintain courtesies and make safety of communities and neighbourhoods their watchword.
“Be reminded that you have to be a friendly law enforcement team, eschew brutality, embrace civility, display maturity, imbibe the hallmark of patience, be understanding and make sure you earn the trust of every resident of the state,” Ambode said.
He urged the public to cooperate with the Corps, saying the government would reward residents, who give the Corps “useful tips”.
The governor said the LNSC created about 7,000 new jobs and thanked the House of Assembly for passing the Neighbourhood Watch Bill into law.
Ambode said special hotlines have been created to facilitate communication with the Corps Executive Secretary, Mr. Adegboyega Bajulaiye, Chairman Israel Ajao and other top officials via 081-4000-0825 and 070-1722-2480.
The governor said a bill has been sent to the assembly to regulate the recruitment of domestic staff to ensure their monitoring. He added that there is no longer room for child abuse in the state.
“Activities of domestic workers over the years are largely undocumented and as such their unmonitored activities posed great threat to security. Recruiting agencies must be licensed and regulated, henceforth, as our safety is now non-negotiable” the governor said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations Mr. Seye Oladejo said the peculiarity of the state and the emerging security challenges informed the establishment of LNSC.
“This community protection started unconsciously as the Crude Neighbourhood Watch in 1996, it has, however metamorphosed into a world class community protection outfit with a mandate and determination to stem the tide of soaring crimes at the grass-roots” he added.
Some of the equipment given to the corps officials include 171 saloon cars, 377 motorcycles, 4,000 bicycles and related accessories.
