The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, has read the riot act to personnel, warning that the era of police brutality is gone in the state.
CP Tijani who took over yesterday from AIG Olohundare Jimoh, who has been redeployed to Zone 2 Command headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, warned against police misconduct, including brutality, and reiterated that all officers would be held accountable under the law.
“The era of unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated,” he said, adding that strict adherence to rules of engagement and ethical standards would guide police operations.”
He said that his policy is,” policing with humility and integrity. There must be human face in policing the state.To the officers and men of this Command: discipline, professionalism and integrity will be non-negotiable. All operations
will be guided by the rule of law and strict respect for fundamental human rights. The Command maintains zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of unprofessional conduct. Any personnel found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
He pledged to strengthen security, improve professionalism, and build stronger relationships between the police and the public.
Tijani described policing in Lagos as both “unique and complex,” noting that the state’s dynamic environment presents significant security challenges that require innovative and collaborative solutions.
He emphasised that public safety remains fundamental to societal progress, adding that the police under his leadership would be prepared to confront emerging threats.
According to him, modern policing must evolve alongside technological advancements and changing patterns of crime.
Tijani highlighted the importance of adopting technology-driven strategies to improve intelligence gathering, crime prevention, and operational efficiency.
He noted that digital tools and data systems would play a key role in addressing contemporary security challenges.
The CP also stressed the need for strong collaboration between the police and other security agencies, including the military and intelligence services.
He said such partnerships are essential to ensuring a coordinated and effective response to crime across Lagos State.
A major focus of his administration, he said, would be community policing. Tijani called on residents to see the police as partners in maintaining peace and security, encouraging greater cooperation and information sharing between citizens and law enforcement.
He also underscored the importance of youth engagement, stating that young people must be actively involved in building safer communities.
By fostering trust and inclusion, he said, the police could help prevent crime and promote social stability.
On professionalism, Tijani assured that officers would uphold discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights.
To improve performance, the commissioner announced plans to enhance training, welfare, and capacity-building programmes for officers.
He said better-equipped and well-trained personnel would be more effective in delivering quality service to the public.
Tijani also outlined operational priorities, including increasing police visibility, tackling crime hotspots, and strengthening response mechanisms across the state.
He added that efforts would be made to improve recruitment, training, and retention within the force.
In a move to promote transparency, he encouraged members of the public to report complaints through official channels, including the Police Complaint Response Unit, assuring that grievances would be addressed promptly.
Reaffirming his commitment to accountability and service, Tijani said the Command would continue to pursue reforms aimed at building trust, ensuring safety, and delivering effective policing for all residents.
“Community engagement will be strengthened as a cornerstone of our policing strategy. We will continue to build trust, deepen cooperation, and encourage residents to see the Police as partners
in progress. In the same vein, collaboration with the media will be enhanced as critical stakeholders in ensuring timely, accurate, and responsible information dissemination.
“Youth engagement will remain a priority. We will constructively engage young people to foster peace, prevent crime, and promote mutual respect between the police and the public.
Inter-agency collaboration is also key to our success. The Command will continue to work closely with the Military, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigeria
Immigration Service, and other relevant security agencies to strengthen intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
“Your welfare, training, and motivation will receive due attention, as a motivated force is essential for effective service delivery.In line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, we will uphold accountability, discipline, and professionalism at all levels.”
