The police last month inaugurated the Squadron 63 Mobile Police Base in Igbogbo Baiyeku, Lagos outskirts to curb criminal activities in Ikorodu division.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Squadron 63 Police Mobile Force (PMF), headed by a superintendent of police, was equipped with dozens of combat-ready anti-riot policemen.
Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris said that Ikorodu had over the years grown to become one of the fastest developing Lagos suburbs with thriving commercial and social activities of emerging cities.
“Ritual killings, murders, kidnappings, armed robbery and others have become features of Ikorodu and this experience brings the urgent need to strengthen security around the division,” the IGP said.
Represented by Mr. Folusho Adebanjo, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, (DG), Idris urged the community to collaborate and support the security unit by providing useful Information to curtail insecurity in the area.
Commissioner of Police Imohimi Edgal said the establishment of the PMF squadron base in Ikorodu would help in reducing crime rate in the division.
“Community policing and safety partnership is working and I can promise that the year 2018 is going to be more of action and less talk.
“Squadron 63 is here, in the next one week you will see their deployment and of course crime rate will reduce drastically,” Edgal said.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said that PMF Squadron 63 was established in Igbogbo-Baiyeku to address the security challenges in Ikorodu.
“Universally, the primary responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and security of its citizenry. No meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos, fear and uncertainty about safety of lives and property,” he said.
Represented by Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Tunji Bello, Ambode commended the IGP for his partnership with the state and prompt approval of the base to ensure that criminals do not have a safe haven in any part of the state.
Chairman, Igbogbo Baiyeku Local Council Development Area Mr. Sesan Dairu, praised the police and the state government for establishing the security unit.
He assured that the community would synergise with the security agency.