Wale Jagun
-Orders database of non-Nigerian residents
The Executive Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, has called for stronger intelligence-led security measures and greater inter-agency collaboration to address emerging security concerns within the council area.
Aroyewun made the call on Monday, while hosting a high-level security meeting at the Council Conference Room.
The meeting brought together top security personnel, including representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the IBLCDA Joint Task Force (JTF), the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) as well as members of the Adeboruwa-in-Council, Olubeshe-in-Council, Community Development Committee (CDC), religious leaders, market leaders, youth organisations, and other critical stakeholders.
A major focus of the meeting was the growing influx of foreign nationals into the council area, and the need for improved documentation and monitoring. Aroyewun disclosed that his administration had commenced engagements with resident leaders within affected communities and had resolved to compile a comprehensive database of all foreign nationals across the LCDA.
Describing the issue as one of the key concerns necessitating the meeting, the Chairman stressed the importance of coordinated intelligence gathering and information sharing among security agencies. He warned that agencies operating in silos would undermine efforts to effectively tackle security challenges and maintain public safety.
While commending security operatives for neutralising a recent security threat within the council area, Aroyewun maintained that routine patrols alone were no longer sufficient. He called for sustained operational alertness driven by deliberate policy actions, proactive interventions, and decisive measures aimed at preventing insecurity before it escalates.
The Chairman also identified the spread of fake news and unverified information as a growing threat to public safety. According to him, misinformation fuels panic, undermines security operations, and weakens public confidence, particularly when false narratives spread faster than verified information.
To address the challenge, he directed security agencies and the CDC to intensify public sensitisation efforts, provide timely and verified updates to residents, and educate communities on identifying and reporting false information before it gains traction.
Responding on behalf of the security agencies, CSP Akinola Clement, Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikorodu Police Headquarters, assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would remain committed to its constitutional responsibilities.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration with the JTF, DSS, NSCDC, and other sister agencies, while deepening engagement with traditional institutions and the CDC.
CSP Clement also urged the CDC to enforce regulatory compliance and sustain regular security meetings, describing continuous community participation as essential to maintaining peace and security at this critical time.
Mr. Joel Adisa, DSS representative, also speaking, urged the Chairman to pursue a bye-law that would hold landlords accountable for enabling criminal activities on their premises.
Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC), Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Alhaji Ibiyeye Rasaq, disclosed that no-entry directives has already been issued to restrict scavengers from operating in sensitive areas, while Officer Odunayo Seyi, the representative of the NSCDC, backed the introduction of formal bye-laws to reinforce territorial compliance and support enforcement efforts.
Hon. Ade Ayeni, Vice Chairman, IBLCDA, Alhaji Wasiu Olowu, Chief of Staff to the Chairman (right) and Mr Babatunde Afolabi, Council Manager, Oludare Igbasan, JTF Commander and stakeholders, also expressed support for data-driven security initiatives, coordinated enforcement operations, and the introduction of new bye-laws to strengthen community safety.
