LAGOS POLICE ROLL OUT SECURITY MEASURES FOR JULY 12 ELECTION, GUARANTEE VOTER SAFETY
By Aishat Momoh
The Lagos State Police Command has
unveiled a detailed security strategy ahead of the local government elections scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, assuring residents of a peaceful, credible, and secure electoral process.
Speaking during a stakeholder briefing on Thursday, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police confirmed the planned deployment of personnel to all 13,325 polling units across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
He noted that the Nigerian Police Force, in collaboration with other security agencies including the military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), would operate under a unified election security framework to protect voters, election materials, INEC officials, observers, and accredited journalists throughout the process.
“Our role is clear to ensure the safety of lives, property, and all electoral assets. We will also protect INEC staff, party agents, and other stakeholders in a neutral and professional manner,” the Commissioner said.
He reiterated the command’s readiness to enforce electoral laws and maintain public order under the authority of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act, Police Act 2020, and other applicable statutes.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, officers will be stationed not only at polling centres but also at strategic locations across Lagos for traffic and crowd control, with a view to maintaining regular public life during the election.
“Residents must feel safe at home, at polling units, and on the roads. Normal life will not be disrupted,” he assured.
The Commissioner also reported that all pre-election activities including campaigns and party primaries — had been peaceful due to robust security arrangements and cooperation from political parties under the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
To reinforce public confidence, the command launched a "Show of Force" operation across the state on Thursday, which will continue through Friday.
“This operation sends a strong message: voters can come out without fear, and those planning to disrupt the process will be decisively dealt with,” he warned.
He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector General of Police, who approved the deployment of more than 8,000 additional officers from neighbouring commands, including elite units such as the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU), and the Special Protection Unit (SPU).
The Commissioner urged community, religious, and youth leaders to help promote peace and discourage violence, emphasizing that electoral offenders would be arrested, investigated, and prosecuted.
“Let it be known: any attempt to subvert the process will attract the full weight of the law,” he said firmly.
In his final remarks, he called on all eligible voters in Lagos to turn out and exercise their franchise, assuring them of their safety before, during, and after the election.
“Lagos is ready. The security agencies are ready. Go out and vote peacefully on Saturday, July 12,” he declared.
The press briefing was attended by senior law enforcement officials, representatives of sister agencies, and members of the press.
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