Police backtrack, restore Meranda’s security as two speakers emerge in Lagos Assembly

Lagos Police Commissioner Moshood Jimoh, has backtracked, saying the security personnel attached to the Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, earlier withdrawn, have been restored.

Addressing journalists on Thursday at the police command headquarters, Jimoh said the personnel were not withdrawn for any ulterior motive but that it was an “ongoing audit of police personnel and firearms.”

“Periodic audits of police personnel attached to eminent personalities and groups is a statutory procedure laid down by the police. This is not limited to the Lagos State Police Command alone.

“It ensures that police personnel are accounted for, including their firearms and other crime-fighting equipment in their possession.

“It also ensures that they remain on their duty posts and that their firearms and equipment are not misused.

“The exercise will also give the command the opportunity to identify where police personnel have been posted without approval or those who are on illegal duties and unapproved duty posts.

“This will allow us to withdraw those from unapproved posts, those with invalid approvals, and those on illegal duties, redeploying them to police posts, stations, divisions, and area commands to provide security and safety for all Lagosians.

“It is important to note that Lagos State, the Centre of Excellence, with a population of more than 20 million but with a total police personnel strength of less than 18,000, needs more officers at police posts, stations, and divisions to ensure the safety and adequate protection of lives and property in the state,” he said.

Jimoh added: “The Special Protection Units Department at the Force Headquarters has been mandated to provide security coverage for every Nigerian needing police protection.

“Henceforth, the deployment of police personnel for guard duties and personal protection will be centrally managed at the Force headquarters.

“In the ongoing personnel audit, some approvals for police personnel in Lagos State attached to certain personalities cannot be traced or verified.

“However, they can still apply to the Inspector-General of Police for approval, which will be treated urgently on merit, as stipulated in the police regulations for the guards and protection of VIPs, non-VIPs, and other individuals.”