The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has pledged to intensify efforts against cultism and violent crimes to boost security across the state.

Fatai made the commitment during his inaugural address as the 42nd Commissioner of Police of the Lagos State Police Command on Thursday. He outlined a strategy focused on proactive, intelligence-driven crime prevention.

“Our operational focus will include reducing crime to the barest minimum, tackling cultism and violent crimes, strengthening visibility policing, ensuring discipline on our roads, and restoring peace in identified black spots across the state. Criminal elements will find no safe haven in Lagos,” he said.

Acknowledging Lagos’ unique security challenges as Nigeria’s commercial hub, Fatai described his appointment as a call to duty. “A secure environment is fundamental to economic growth and public confidence. We are prepared to confront these challenges head-on,” he added.

The commissioner emphasised community policing, urging stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies. Youth engagement, he noted, would be central to crime prevention, helping curb criminal tendencies and promote peace.

Fatai also highlighted the need for synergy among security agencies, promising coordinated operations and improved intelligence gathering with the military and other relevant bodies.

Discipline within the force, he warned, would be strictly enforced. “Discipline, professionalism, and integrity are non-negotiable. The command has zero tolerance for police brutality and all forms of misconduct,” he stated.

He urged Lagos residents to remain law-abiding and support security agencies with credible information, assuring the state government and the public of his commitment to safeguarding lives and property.