21st-century policing: Lagos unveils cameras, control rooms, water patrols

The Police Command in Lagos State has unveiled advanced surveillance systems, patrol vehicles, and marine assets to enhance public safety across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this during the unveiling of the infrastructure on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that the initiative reflected Lagos State’s commitment to modern, technology-driven policing capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

According to him, a network of high-tech cameras have been installed at strategic locations across the state and is being monitored from a central control room by specially trained officers.

“The system enables real-time monitoring of public spaces, major roads, transport corridors, and critical infrastructure. Once suspicious activity is detected, information is immediately relayed to officers on the ground for swift response.

“We now operate a dedicated control group where activities are monitored continuously.

“Once anything unusual is noticed, whether on the road, in public transport areas, or within sensitive facilities, our teams are alerted instantly to take action,” he said.

To further enhance operational capacity, Jimoh said that the command had taken delivery of two new patrol vehicles, donated by the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, which had already been integrated into police operations.

“These vehicles are expected to improve response time and mobility during emergencies, ” he said.

Jimoh said marine security had received a major boost with the deployment of a fully equipped patrol boat from the Federal Government to secure Lagos waterways, terminals, and waterfront facilities.

“The boats, supported by police personnel and surveillance technology including drones, will operate round the clock to deter criminal activities on water, ” he said.

In addition, the commissioner highlighted the effectiveness of the upgraded radio communication network, which allowed officers to respond promptly to distress calls and coordinate operations more efficiently across the state.

The police boss expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi for donating the control room facility to the command.

He also thanked the Lagos State Government, especially Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other stakeholders for their continued support in providing critical security infrastructure.

He noted that the collaboration had placed Lagos at the forefront of internal security preparedness in Nigeria.

“Our capacity to protect life and property has significantly improved.

“These cameras, vehicles, boats, and communication systems represent a major step forward in the security architecture of Lagos State and, by extension, Nigeria,” he said.

The Commissioner assured residents that the Command remained committed to professionalism, effective service delivery, and the continuous use of modern technology to make Lagos safer for all.