The Lagos State Police Command and the National Emergency Management Agency have heightened security measures by placing their personnel on high alert to prevent potential attacks on warehouses and shopping malls.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the spokesperson for the command, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria. Security has been bolstered around various shopping centers and government warehouses storing food supplies in Lagos to deter any possible assaults by criminals.
Recent incidents of looting and attacks on warehouses and food trucks have been reported in several cities amidst the prevailing economic challenges and rising cost of living in the country. For instance, youths were reported to have stolen food items from trucks along Kaduna Road in Suleja, Niger State. Similarly, the Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration witnessed looting at its warehouse in Dei-Dei due to economic hardships.
In response to these incidents, the FCT Police Command arrested 15 suspects linked to the vandalism of a warehouse belonging to the Abuja FCDA.
While acknowledging these security concerns, Hundeyin emphasized that the Lagos State Police Command is proactively ensuring the safety of residents and properties in Lagos. He clarified that while there are no specific threats anticipated, the deployment of security personnel aims to prevent any potential acts of violence within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has directed personnel at vulnerable locations, including Area Commanders, Heads of Tactical Teams, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), to remain vigilant and address any security challenges effectively.
