Falana lauds Lagos Government, LNSA for community policing efforts
Renowned social critic and human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has lauded the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency (LNSA) for their strides in enhancing community policing and ensuring the safety of residents.
Falana expressed his commendation on Monday during a visit to the LNSA headquarters in Bolade-Oshodi, Lagos. He acknowledged the state government’s efforts in deploying advanced equipment and skilled manpower to improve security across the metropolis.
Impressed by the agency’s operations, Falana pledged to support its initiatives aimed at achieving its objectives.
While highlighting the importance of public awareness, the legal luminary urged the agency to enhance its media presence to better inform Lagosians about its contributions to community safety.
He also advised the LNSA to maintain a stringent recruitment process to ensure that only individuals with credible and traceable backgrounds are employed, protecting the agency from infiltration and safeguarding its integrity.
Earlier, the General Manager of the LNSA, Prince (Dr.) Ifalade Oyekan, FSIN, welcomed Mr. Falana and provided an overview of the agency’s mandate. Oyekan noted that, under his leadership, the agency developed a strategic roadmap aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive to transform the LNSA into a state police force within two years.
“The roadmap has driven the innovations seen in the agency so far. We are combining advanced human resources and technology to build a prime organisation that can compete globally,” Oyekan said.
He highlighted the agency’s grassroots approach, which leverages local knowledge and advanced technologies for effective community policing.
The General Manager also detailed the expansion of the LNSA’s scope, including the establishment of specialized units such as the Marine Corps, Forest Rangers, and a forensic unit.
Oyekan further noted that the agency has incorporated GPS capabilities and other monitoring systems to ensure accountability and value for money, especially following the recent increase in the minimum wage for public officers in the state. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to minimizing the use of lethal weapons to maintain public trust and civility.
During the visit, Falana toured the agency’s facilities, including the Anti-Human Trafficking task force headquarters.
In recognition of his support and advocacy, the human rights lawyer was decorated as an Ambassador of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
