Ambode beats chest on security of lives and property in Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday described the security of lives and property of residents of the state as his administration’s biggest achievement in the last three years, describing as gratifying his declaration that the state is now the safest in Africa. Gov Ambode, at the commissioning of a Forward Operating Base […]

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday described the security of lives and property of residents of the state as his administration’s biggest achievement in the last three years, describing as gratifying his declaration that the state is now the safest in Africa.

Gov Ambode, at the commissioning of a Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Army in Epe, said the combined investment of his administration in the security architecture of the state and efforts of security agencies had resulted in a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors.

 The governor, who recalled the days of kidnapping, cultism and other security challenges in the Ikorodu and Epe axes, said it was satisfying that the activities of criminal elements such as militants had become history in the state.

“As I mark my three years in office tomorrow (Tuesday), I can say significantly that if there is anything that I have actually achieved in these three years, it is the security and safety of lives and property in Lagos State,” he said.

Recalling his early days in office, Ambode said his first major task was how to address kidnapping and other nefarious activities perpetrated by militants in the Ishawo axis. His efforts in that direction, he said, resulted in the establishment of a military base in the area, as well as  the creation of  a military operation code-named Operation Awatse.

“The problem of kidnapping that was so notorious in the Ishawo area, Ikorodu, that we had the support of the Nigerian Army to set up a small base, and we had to also take over the property of some of those militants to accommodate the military base,” he recalled.

He argued that crime rate in Lagos State had drastically reduced, adding that no effort would be spared in sustaining the peace.

“We need to sustain it because at the end of the day, that is what really grows our gross domestic product. That is what makes other people to want to come to Lagos. I can clearly and openly declare that Lagos is now the safest city across Africa,” the governor said.

Alluding to how the former military barrack in Epe was closed, Ambode described the commissioning of the FOB as “historic and significant”, considering the fact that it was witnessed by traditional rulers and community leaders in the area. He added that the development was a new dawn for community relationship with the Army in the axis.

The governor lauded the General Officer Commanding in charge of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Udoh for his steadfastness in promoting peace in the state, and reiterated his commitment to continually support the military and other security agencies in the state.

“I want to openly say I will support the second FOB that is coming up in Ikorodu. And if there is any need for us to give further support for gunboat engines or infrastructure, you can count on us that we will support anything that will keep the lives and property of our people safe at all times.

“Our support for Operation Awatse is continual, and we will support every other thing that is necessary. Beyond this, we will also support the welfare of all the security agencies that are operating in Lagos so that we can continue to have peace.

“What we are seeing is a new strategy to keep our outer spaces safer than ever before, and we need the military’s presence in Ikorodu, Epe and all the outer spaces so that we can go away from the central protection and also make every other place in Lagos livable and economically viable,” he  said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, commended Gov Ambode for the support to security agencies and the massive infrastructural development across the length and breadth of the state, saying the initiatives of the governor were laudable.

Buratai said the FOB was set up to enhance security in the axis, and as well help to facilitate other military formations he disclosed would soon be moved to the area.