Security agencies in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State have urged residents to disregard unverified messages of impending bandits’ attack on the area.
The agencies assured residents of safety of lives and property, and against any attacks in the build up to the yuletide and beyond.
CSP Folajimi Agosile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Badagry, gave the assurance when he led other security operatives on an awareness and safety walk to towns within the ancient city on Thursday.
He urged residents to remain calm, stay vigilant, and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies or community leaders.
Agosile advised the public to disregard unverified insecurity messages circulating online.
He reminded residents that restrictions on fireworks, knockouts, street party, and gatherings associated with cult groups remained in place, to prevent holiday-season disturbances.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Army, Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Local Hunters, Local Zangas, Vigilante Groups, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps and Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) participated in the walk.
The agencies walked through Iworo, Ajido, Aradagun, Mowo, Ikoga, Iragon, Iragbo, Erekiti, Iya-afin, Gberefu, Iyana-Pota and to Vrekete in Badagry.
The Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, also joined the exercise, backing the DPO’s initiative and emphasising the council’s commitment to community safety.
Hunpe was represented at the walk by the council’s Chief Security Adviser, CSP Johnson Adagba (Rtd).
Speaking at different locations including riverine areas, Agosile said the aim of the sensitisation walk was to calm public nerves and issue a stern warning to potential criminals ahead of the festive seasons.
The DPO, however, noted that the patrol was part of ongoing efforts to deepen inter-agency coordination and maintain peace and order across Badagry as end-of-year activities intensified.
“You should discard all information that has been circulating on social media that bandits are coming to Badagry
“When you see something, you say something. If you suspect a movement, please inform security operatives or community leaders.
“This festive season, knockout is not allowed in Badagry. Street jams are not allowed, and cultism is frowned at by security operatives,” he said.
He said the prohibitions targeted substance abuse, unauthorised gatherings, and unruly behaviour, respectively, signaling a clampdown on traditional triggers of seasonal violence and crime.
