The new Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, on Thursday pledged to do all possible to ensure that lives and property of Lagos residents are safer and relived from crime and criminalities.
Aderanti made this vow while formally taking over the mantle of leadership from the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone II, Onikan, Lagos, Mr. Umar Manko, who has successfully piloted the affairs of the command since 2012.
Manko, who addressed journalists after the handing over, urged policemen, media, stakeholders and members of the public to extend their support to the new CP. Manko described Aderanti as “highly seasoned and well fitted for the job.”
While stressing that he would soon schedule a special press conference with members of the media, to roll out his plans for further securing Ogun and Lagos States which are under his jurisdictions against crime and Criminalities, Manko said: “I’ve told the new CP so many things about Lagos State. I know that the new CP is another capable hand. All I want is for everyone to give him the support they gave me to succeed, so that he can function well.”
Asked his challenges when he was CP Lagos, Manko said: “We had initial challenges of violent crimes. But we were equal to the task and we solved those crimes. In Lagos, we keep developing new strategies to make the city safer.”
Aderanti, who said he would brief journalists about his ideas and ideals to further secure the metropolis, after he had settled down, added that he would do more to ensure safety of lives and property.
He promised to build on the legacies of Manko and intensify the fight against all forms of crimes and criminalities in the state, not only because it was his job as a police officer, but also since the state is the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria.