The Lagos State Police Command has inaugurated a new divisional headquarters for the Eko Strike Force in Shomolu as part of efforts to strengthen security operations across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration on Monday, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Olohundare Jimoh, said the Eko Strike Force was established to support the activities of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and reinforce the state’s security architecture.
Jimoh explained that the facility, donated by the Chairman of Shomolu Local Government, Abdulateef Ashimi, would enhance the operational capacity of the rapid response team and improve response time to distress calls.
He stressed that the unit was not created to rival the RRS but to complement its operations and ensure quicker responses to criminal incidents.
According to him, the strategic location of the headquarters will enable officers to respond swiftly to security incidents across both the mainland and island parts of Lagos.
He added that the presence of the team would help address residents’ fear of crime, noting that public confidence in security is essential for economic and social activities to thrive.
“The fear of crime is often worse than the crime itself. Our goal is to remove that fear and ensure that people can go about their daily activities safely,” he said.
The commissioner commended Ashimi for donating the facility, describing the gesture as a strong example of community support for security agencies.
He urged residents to cooperate with the police by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime, noting that effective policing requires collaboration with the public.
Jimoh also appreciated the former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his guidance and commitment to improving policing, and thanked Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continued support to security agencies through the provision of logistics and other resources.
In his remarks, Ashimi emphasised the importance of community participation in maintaining security at the grassroots level.
He highlighted the role of both the police and residents in preventing crime, protecting young people and ensuring that communities remain peaceful.
Ashimi also expressed gratitude to security agencies for their support and the provision of necessary equipment, while stressing the need for sustained collaboration between authorities and the community in addressing security challenges.