Rapid Response: Lagos CP Says Police Now React Within 5 Minutes

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Olorundare Jimoh, has said that the command’s response time to crimes such as robbery and public order violations has been reduced to just five minutes.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Jimoh stated, “Our response time to crime is now less than 10 minutes. We have even brought it down to five minutes. Once we receive a call, we are there within five minutes.”

He assured residents of Lagos that the state remains safe and secure, adding that proactive policing has helped prevent many violent crimes before they occur.

“In most cases, we reach criminal elements before they can cause harm. And for crimes that do occur, our detection is swift, serving as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Jimoh noted that the Lagos Police Command has significantly curtailed violent crimes and successfully eliminated traffic robbery within the state.

On State Police and Security Funding

Commenting on the broader issue of security in Nigeria, CP Jimoh expressed reservations about the push for state police, insisting that adequate funding of the Nigeria Police Force is a more effective solution.

“State police is not the answer to our security challenges,” he asserted. “The real issue is proper funding, which the Federal Government is already addressing. Many advocates for state policing overlook the fact that unitary policing works effectively in other parts of the world.”

He also highlighted improvements in police conduct, saying that officers have become more professional and responsive over time.

On the Upcoming Local Government Elections

Regarding the July 12, 2025, local government elections in Lagos, CP Jimoh said the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would determine whether a restriction of movement would be enforced.

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“Any restriction will be based on the electoral body’s directive. However, if there’s a credible threat to the election, we may enforce a limited restriction—not a total lockdown. We are prepared to deploy enough personnel to ensure a smooth and peaceful election,” he stated.