Lagos Police, Apapa Iganmu LCDA sensitise transport operators, traders on drug abuse, cultism

Collaborative Action Against Social Vices

The Lagos State Police Command, through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), in collaboration with the Apapa Iganmu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), has intensified efforts to curb drug abuse, cultism, and other social vices. This was facilitated through a sensitisation programme targeting transport operators, traders, and other critical stakeholders.

The awareness campaign, held at the Apapa Iganmu LCDA Secretariat, focused on educating participants on the dangers of drug abuse, cultism, and election violence. Beyond education, the initiative aimed to encourage citizens to play active roles in promoting peace and security within their immediate communities.

Strategic Roles of Transport Operators and Traders

Representing the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, the Area Commander, Area B Command, ACP Onyinyechi Onwuamaegbu, urged participants to reject all forms of criminality and uphold lawful conduct in their daily activities. She emphasised that individuals in the transport and trading sectors occupy strategic positions that are vital for crime prevention.

ACP Onwuamaegbu noted that these stakeholders can significantly contribute to security by remaining vigilant and maintaining a high level of cooperation with security agencies. She maintained that the effectiveness of the police in tackling crime is heavily dependent on the support and participation of the general public.

Strengthening Community-Police Synergy

The Area Commander further encouraged participants to provide timely and credible information to the Police. This proactive engagement is intended to ensure that criminal elements are not given refuge or allowed to operate within local communities. She noted that sustained collaboration between residents and law enforcement remains essential to maintaining public safety and social order across Lagos State.

The programme also featured goodwill messages from the Executive Chairman of the Apapa Iganmu LCDA, Divisional Police Officers, and other community stakeholders. These speakers collectively underscored the necessity of collective responsibility in addressing crime and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Collective Responsibility for Public Safety

Stakeholders highlighted that drug abuse, cultism, and election-related violence continue to pose serious threats to societal development. They called on transport unions, market associations, and community leaders to support ongoing awareness campaigns specifically aimed at preventing young people from being recruited into criminal activities.

Furthermore, residents were urged to remain law-abiding and work closely with security agencies to sustain a peaceful environment before, during, and after elections. This sensitisation programme is a key component of the Lagos State Police Command's community policing initiative under POCACOV, focusing on public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement.