Lagos police, youths forge stronger partnership for community safety

The Lagos State Police Command, alongside state government officials and youth representatives, is advocating for a stronger partnership between security agencies and young people. The goal is to promote peaceful coexistence, uphold human rights, and enhance community safety, while simultaneously urging youths to steer clear of cultism, cybercrime, drug abuse, and other illicit activities.

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The primary purpose of law enforcement is the protection of lives and property. But we cannot do it alone. We have to partner with the public, of which our youth constitute an important segment.

This call for collaboration was a central theme at the Police-Youth Engagement Programme held in Badagry. ACP Adeleke Smith, Area Commander for Badagry, highlighted the program's timeliness given current security challenges and the upcoming general elections. He commended the organizers for strengthening the bond between the police and the youth.

"The primary purpose of law enforcement is the protection of lives and property. But we cannot do it alone. We have to partner with the public, of which our youth constitute an important segment," Smith stated. He encouraged youths to support community policing by providing credible intelligence, reminding them that effective crime prevention relies on cooperation. He also urged them to shun vices and embrace government skills acquisition programs to improve their economic prospects.

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See something, say something.

Mrs. Olubunmi Adesomoju, Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, explained that the program aimed to rebuild trust through dialogue and a better understanding of citizens' rights. She acknowledged past mistrust and negative experiences that have strained police-youth relations, making sustained engagement crucial. Adesomoju also reminded officers of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, emphasizing that confessional statements must be obtained legally, with legal representation and electronic recording, to be admissible in court.

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The Administration of Criminal Justice Law requires confessional statements to be obtained in the presence of legal representation and recorded electronically.