Sanwo-Olu details plan to integrate proposed state police into Lagos security framework

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has outlined how the state plans to incorporate a proposed state police structure into its existing security architecture as part of efforts to tackle rising insecurity and improve coordination among law enforcement agencies.

The governor spoke on Monday during an interview on TVC, where he reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, describing it as a vital step toward building a more responsive and efficient security system.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the creation of a state police force would allow Lagos to fully integrate policing operations into its command and control centers, enhancing real-time coordination and oversight.

“If we do have state police, we can ensure that me, as a chief executive of the state, can integrate the entire architecture of the state police into our command and control center,” he said.

He also noted that President Bola Tinubu is a strong advocate of the initiative, adding that the President is committed to driving reforms that would make state policing a reality in Nigeria.

“And thankfully, Mr. President has said that he’ll do everything within his power to see how the country evolves into a state police,” the governor added.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos currently has more than 7,500 neighborhood watch personnel, a figure he said could be rapidly expanded if state police become operational.

“I have over 7,500 neighborhood watch. I can actually push to get them to 10,000 or 12,000 tomorrow or the next day,” he stated.

The governor further explained that the state intends to harmonize intelligence gathering and surveillance resources across key agencies, including the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), to ensure seamless information sharing.

“The same information that LASTMA has in terms of cameras, the same information that LASEMA has and the state police, we all sit together, and we will share it,” he said, stressing that the approach would deliver “a comprehensive, integrated security architecture.”

Sanwo-Olu’s remarks come amid renewed calls by President Tinubu urging state governors and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support the establishment of state police and fully implement local government autonomy.

The President made the call during the 14th APC National Caucus meeting in Abuja, where he emphasized the need for governance reforms in line with the party’s mandate and a recent Supreme Court ruling granting financial independence to local government councils