The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun States, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, has emphasized that securing Nigeria is a shared responsibility, urging all sectors of society to contribute to ensuring the safety of the nation. He made the statement during his goodwill message at the 2024 annual lecture and award ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) in Lagos.
The theme of the lecture was “Justice System Administration and Insecurity in Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions.” In his address, AIG Fayoade pointed out that the task of securing the country should not rest solely on the police, but should be a collective effort involving all stakeholders.
“We cannot leave the task of ensuring security to the police alone. It requires the input of everyone, including individuals, organizations, and the community at large,” he stated.
The AIG called for greater collaboration in the fight against crime and urged members of the public to play an active role in supporting law enforcement agencies. He stressed that citizens could assist the police by providing credible information, offering intelligence, and ensuring that logistics were in place to support effective operations.
He also lamented the lack of follow-up by complainants in cases brought to court, a practice that often leads to cases being struck out due to lack of evidence. “When cases are not pursued, the justice system suffers, and criminals go unpunished,” AIG Fayoade explained. He emphasized that for the justice system to be effective, it requires not only the efforts of the police but also the active participation of individuals in their communities.
“The justice system needs the efforts of everyone. If it is not effective, it will hinder the socio-economic development of our country,” he added, urging citizens to take responsibility for the outcome of cases by following through on them in court.
The AIG also advised police officers to take proactive steps in handling certain disputes, such as landlord-tenant conflicts, that could be resolved amicably without legal proceedings. “Officers should take time to mediate such matters, to avoid overburdening the court system with minor cases,” he suggested.
Fayoade further acknowledged that technology could significantly improve the justice system, facilitating more efficient operations and better outcomes in crime prevention and prosecution.
His remarks underscored the need for a holistic approach to addressing insecurity in Nigeria, with collaboration and technological advancements playing crucial roles in creating a safer and more just society.