The Lagos state police command on Monday has confirmed threats by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu disclosed this at a stakeholders forum on security in Lagos, which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presided over.
He declared that no breakdown of law and order, or attacks on soft targets would be tolerated.
The CP said the command was aware of agitations for the Oodua Republic by some Yoruba secessionists “and the threats to disrupt law and order in the state.”
The Police chief disclosed that twenty-four persons belonging to the groups have been identified and are being closely monitored.
“The threat of IPOB to attack soft targets in Lagos is equally being put on the radar of the command intelligence gathering and other security services in the state.”
Assuring that strategies are being put in place to neutralise criminality, Odumosu appealed to residents to be vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to security agencies.
Another major security challenge being faced by the command, according to the CP, is the use of motorcycle as a means of transportation in the state.
“A combination of factors can be identified as being responsible for the advent of motorcycles as a means of intra-city transportation in Lagos State.
“Foremost amongst these, is the quest of the government to expand the land transportation system and provide employment opportunity to the citizens.
“This made the government to at the onset, grant approval for commercial motorcycle operations in the State with necessary legislation to regulate their activities.
“The government’s good intention of providing additional means of land transportation and creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, has
been negated by the atrocities being perpetrated by the Okada operators in the State.
This include, the use of Okada as a veritable tool to commit crime and get away with it by hoodlums; disrespect to traffic rules and regulations; the Okada operators becoming nuisance and reckless on our roads, resulting into avoidable accidents with attendant consequences on human life,” he said.
