LAGOS – Ahead of Saturday’s local government elections across Lagos State, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the deployment of no fewer than 30,000 personnel to maintain law and order, while issuing a stern warning to political thugs and mischief-makers to steer clear of violence or face the full weight of the law.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, disclosed the development while briefing journalists on the command’s readiness for the exercise. He noted that officers would be strategically deployed across all polling units, collation centres, and sensitive locations within the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs) in the state.
According to the police boss, the heavy deployment is aimed at ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process, adding that any attempt to disrupt the polls will be swiftly neutralised.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence, ballot snatching, or voter intimidation. Anyone planning to cause trouble should think twice. Our men will be on ground in full strength,” Fayoade warned.
He added that the police were working in collaboration with other security agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps to ensure seamless coordination before, during, and after the election.
The police also advised political parties to caution their supporters and conduct themselves in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act. Voters were encouraged to turn out peacefully and report any suspicious activity to nearby security operatives.
Saturday’s election is seen as a critical test of Lagos’ commitment to grassroots democracy, with the eyes of the nation watching how the process unfolds in Nigeria’s most politically strategic state.
