The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, has called on the Nigerian Navy to be part of efforts to eradicate crime from the state.
The governor made this declaration in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Usman Jibrin on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.
Governor Ambode said that the call for the Navy to join hands with the state is important due to the recent spate of robbery attacks since his administration started.
The governor also revealed that the reason for his visit to the Chief of Naval Staff was to ask for the full involvement of the of the navy in the crime fighting.
He said, “Lagos State is the commercial hub of the country. The state is therefore strategic and cannot be allowed to become a breeding ground for criminals.”
The governor made reference to the robbery attacks at two different banks at Ikorodu area of the state on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 and made their getaway through waterways.
“My administration has therefore resolved to evolve strategies that will frontally confront insecurity through collaborative efforts of the government, the private sector and security agencies. The rise in the spate of armed robbery must be stopped,” he added.
Admiral Jibrin who congratulated the governor on his election and inauguration, said that Lagos State was a major operational point for the Nigerian Navy as a coastal state and had vast maritime potential and as a result could not be allowed to be a haven for crime.
He said, “There is the need for combined use of the security forces on air, waters and on the ground for effective control of crimes in the state.”
He also commended the Lagos State government for the smooth working relationship with the Navy as it sought to secure the economic prosperity of the state and also assured the governor of the full assistance and corporation to assist in ensuring adequate security of lives and property in the state.
“I can assure you that I will support you with manpower which is already on ground”, he added.
