The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, has urged residents and community stakeholders in Area D Police Command to take greater responsibility for their communities' security, stressing that effective policing cannot succeed without credible information and active cooperation from the people.

Fatai made the call during a community policing sensitisation programme organised on Thursday, 17 September 2026 for stakeholders across the Area D Command, which comprises 10 police divisions within four local government councils, with its headquarters located in Mushin.

The engagement, hosted by the Area D Commander, ACP Bamidele Awoniyi, brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, local government officials and other key stakeholders who deliberated on collaboration between the police and the communities.

Welcoming participants, Awoniyi appreciated the Commissioner of Police for his efforts towards reducing crime and criminality across Lagos State since assuming office. He also commended stakeholders whose contributions had helped sustain the relatively peaceful atmosphere within the command, calling for stronger and continuous collaboration.

Addressing the gathering, CP Tijani Fatai explained that the sensitisation was part of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, to all Commissioners of Police to engage community stakeholders on effective community policing.

According to him, the safety of lives and property begins with the people themselves, because residents understand their communities better than the police.

He said, “When credible information about crime and criminality is hidden from the police, how do you expect the police to perform effectively?”

The commissioner urged stakeholders to understand that the actions and inactions of residents would ultimately determine the kind of community they live in, stressing that communities desiring peace must be prepared to actively support security agencies.

CP Fatai also commended groups and individuals who had been working to promote peace and resolve conflicts in Mushin, noting that their efforts had contributed significantly to the relative peace being enjoyed in the area, and enjoined other communities to do the same in their respective communities.

However, he warned that more needed to be done, particularly as cultism, drug peddling and substance abuse among youths continue to fuel hooliganism and violent crimes in some communities.

He appealed to stakeholders to intensify efforts to prevent youths from being recruited into criminal gangs and urged communities across Lagos to adopt proactive measures against emerging security threats.

On the forthcoming political activities, the CP called for peaceful campaigns and elections, warning residents not to allow political differences to degenerate into violence.

He said elections would come and go, but injuries, destruction and bitterness arising from political violence could linger for years and trigger recurring conflicts among residents.

During the interactive session, the Oba of Odi-Olowo Kingdom, Oba Sikirulahi Olamide Williams Apena I, raised concerns over the activities of land grabbers in Mushin and appealed for decisive police intervention.

The Osolo of Isolo, Oba Isa Abiodun Sekoni, described the engagement as timely and important, stressing that regular meetings between the police and community leaders would promote better understanding and coordinated security efforts.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chairman of Mushin Local Government, Hon. Semiu Karaole, called for increased police action in Mushin, particularly in addressing youth restlessness and other emerging security challenges.

The Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Hon. Oluwafemi Odunayo Daniel, appreciated the Commissioner for the initiative and urged residents to unite against crime and criminality in their respective communities.

The stakeholders also commended the Area D Command for its proactive approach and diligence, describing the Area D Commander as a responsive police officer with a listening ear and a reputation for addressing issues without fear or favour.