…there was no major security challenge that led to a serious crisis – Alabi
…urge Lagosians, and media to accord CP Idowu Owohunwa maximum support
The outgoing Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Ag. AIG Abiodun Alabi, fdc, mnim, psc, has handed over to the new Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.
The new Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa resumed duty at the Lagos State Police Command, taking over from AIG Abiodun Alabi, who was promoted to an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, in charge of Zone 2 with headquarters in Lagos.
Ag. AIG Abiodun Alabi, said: “Today marks the end of my tenure as the 37th Commissioner of Police of Lagos State Command with a great sense of professional fulfillment. It has been a full year of policing the most cosmopolitan and populous city in West Africa. There is no doubt that we had some security challenges, all of which we were able to surmount, to the glory of God.
Recalling his resumption in Lagos Police Command, Alabi said: “At my maiden press briefing on 24th January 2022, I made it clear that my crime prevention strategy and policing vision would rest on visibility policing, respect for human rights, professional ethics, intelligence-led policing, community policing, proactive policing, and inter-agency synergy. You would all agree with me that we made tremendous achievements as regards these yardsticks. Accountability was made the bedrock of my administration as all Area Commanders, DPOs, and other officers were made answerable for their actions and inactions. We sadly recorded two cases of misuse of firearms but in our usual tradition of ensuring justice and accountability, the officers involved in these cases are currently undergoing trial for their actions.
Deserving of mention is the rewarding synergy the Lagos State Police Command under my watch had with sister security agencies including the military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, etc.
Ag. AIG Alabi appreciates Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps, a grassroots agency of the state government that has done a whole lot in providing regular, timely, and actionable intelligence to the Command, which in turn has helped in nipping several crimes in the bud and keeping Lagos State safer and secured.
He said “I equally want to especially appreciate the Police Community Relations Committee for their unwavering support of the Command. Members of the Eminent Persons Forum are appreciated too.
“For the forthcoming elections, we have reached an advanced stage in our election security preparations under the aegis of the Inter-agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), headed by INEC, and having the Police and other security agencies on board. I trust my successor to seamlessly continue with the plans and deliver a safe and secure atmosphere for the elections.
In appreciation, AIG Alabi said: “I must not fail to appreciate the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, fdc for the confidence he reposed in me by appointing me Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command last year and now Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Headquarters, Lagos. I am indeed humbled by this rare display of trust and pledge not to betray this uncommon vote of confidence.
He further appreciates members of the fourth estate of the realm for the unwavering support given to him and the officers and men of the command and their unshakeable stand for truth and justice at all times.
“The media’s objective reportage and unbiased feedback have helped us to police Lagos State better. I also would like to appreciate my indefatigable management team for their relentless pursuit of my strategic policing visions and actions for the state. Their support and unflinching loyalty are highly appreciated and not taken for granted.
“As I handover today the duties and responsibilities of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, I earnestly urge all Lagosians and the press to accord the new Commissioner of Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, maximum support in the discharge of his duty of piloting the affairs of safety and security of lives and property in the state.
CP Idowu Owohunwa is a fine officer with lots of local and international exposure both academically and professionally. I have known him for a long time and have no doubt that he would raise the bar higher than where I am leaving today. I equally congratulate CP Idowu Owohunwa for attaining this position and wish him the best in the challenging task of policing an ever-expanding megacity.
