Coastal Road Under 24-Hour Police Watch as CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh Deploys Reinforced Anti-Crime Patrol On Lagos – Calabar Route to Halt Vandalism
By Arikawe Femi
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, psc, mnips, has launched a 24-hour Anti-Crime Patrol along the Coastal Road corridor in Lagos, deploying four additional patrol vehicles to curb vandalism and protect critical government infrastructure.
The operation, which featured a high-visibility show of force along the corridor, is aimed at reassuring commuters and sending a strong warning to hoodlums sabotaging public property along the axis.
Speaking during the patrol, CP Jimoh described the exercise as “beyond a routine visit,” noting that the Command had earlier deployed 52 patrol vehicles to the corridor when the road was opened in the first week of December.
According to him, the Coastal Road comprises five major intersections and identifiable black spots, which were strategically covered to ensure motorists could use the road safely and conveniently, in line with the government’s objective of reducing traffic congestion around Victoria Island and adjoining areas.
“Since the initial deployment, we have not recorded a single incident of robbery or major crime on this corridor due to the visible presence of the police,” the CP stated.
However, he expressed concern over recent reports of vandalism targeting infrastructure along the road, including manhole covers, steel directional signages, perimeter fencing, and construction equipment.
“Based on concerns raised, particularly by the Federal Controller of Works, we held a series of meetings and resolved to launch a dedicated Anti-Crime Patrol on this route. The patrol teams will operate in convoy on a 24-hour basis to prevent further incidents of vandalism,” he said.
The CP disclosed that discreet investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend perpetrators, adding that over 500 suspects have been arrested in related operations and prosecuted accordingly.
Also present at the exercise was the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, who was represented by the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, Engr. Olufemi Dare.
Addressing journalists, Engr. Dare commended CP Jimoh for the swift intervention and deployment of additional patrol vehicles.
“A few days ago, I informed Nigerians about the unfortunate activities of vandals stealing manhole covers, removing steel directional signages, and dismantling sections of the perimeter fencing already installed along the Coastal Road,” he said.
CP Moshood Olohundare Jimoh, psc, mnips, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, alongside Engr. Olufemi Dare, Federal Controller of Works, Lagos State, during the launch of the 24-hour Anti-Crime Patrol on the Coastal Road in Lagos.
He stressed that such acts not only undermine government investment but also pose serious safety risks to road users.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, Honourable Minister of Works, I sincerely thank the Commissioner of Police for this decisive response. I believe this intervention will help put a stop to the activities of these vandals and ensure the safety of the infrastructure and the public,” he added.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining patrol operations along the corridor and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist in apprehending criminal elements.
