In a bold statement at the Lagos State Security Trust Fund’s 18th Annual Town Hall Meeting, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, declared that bank robberies in Lagos have drastically reduced, with only one successful heist in nearly 17 years.
The IGP’s declaration comes as a testament to the significant progress the state has made in its fight against violent crimes, particularly bank robberies, which once plagued the city. “What we are doing today is part of the ongoing support the Lagos State Government has been providing to the police force,” Egbetokun explained at the meeting, addressing security officials, policymakers, and citizens alike.
Historically, Lagos was considered a hotspot for armed and bank robberies, with criminals regularly targeting financial institutions in the bustling city. However, since 2007, the tide has turned. “I can confidently state that since 2007, only one bank robbery has been successful in Lagos—and that was in 2014,” the IGP proudly stated, highlighting the significant shift in security outcomes.
The comment marks a sharp contrast to the frequent robberies that once shocked residents and businesses alike. According to Egbetokun, the drastic reduction in these crimes is a direct result of sustained collaboration between the state government and the police. Without this collaboration, he admitted, it would have been much harder for the police to manage Lagos’ increasing security challenges.
As the economic powerhouse of Nigeria, Lagos sees thousands of people migrate into the city daily, which poses a unique set of security concerns. “The continuous influx of people into the state creates a range of implications for security,” Egbetokun explained, underscoring the ever-evolving nature of crime in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who also attended the meeting, reinforced the IGP’s comments, drawing attention to the state government’s commitment to security. In his speech, Sanwo-Olu shared details of a major donation to the police force. “Today, we are donating over 250 brand-new patrol vehicles, essential hardware, communications gadgets, and protective gear to support the police,” the governor announced.
This donation, according to Sanwo-Olu, is part of a broader initiative to improve Lagos’ security infrastructure. “We are scaling up the use of technology and data to enhance security across the state, and this is just the beginning,” the governor said, emphasizing the role of modern tools in crime prevention and monitoring.
One of the most notable technological innovations to be deployed in Lagos is drone technology. According to Sanwo-Olu, drones will soon be used to monitor the city’s waterways and densely populated areas. “The EGIS component of our mapping and digitalization process is almost complete,” he shared, referring to an ongoing project that aims to create a comprehensive digital map of Lagos.
The drone initiative, Sanwo-Olu explained, will allow authorities to monitor key areas of the city in real-time, enabling quicker responses to emergencies and providing critical data for traffic and crowd management. “Lagos is now properly mapped, and drone technology will be deployed at the appropriate levels to ensure better monitoring and management of our city,” he added.
This technology, Sanwo-Olu emphasized, is part of a broader strategy to use modern surveillance tools to enhance public safety. It is expected that drones will be deployed at various times to monitor traffic, crowds, and areas with high pedestrian movement, contributing to a more secure environment.
The collaboration between the police and the state government has clearly paid off. With the influx of migrants continuing to rise, it has become increasingly important for security measures to evolve. “We must continue to adapt and strengthen our security strategies,” Egbetokun warned, recognising the potential for new challenges in the future. However, the overwhelming sense of confidence from both the IGP and the governor suggests that Lagos is on the right track.
Despite the increasing migration pressures and the expanding challenges of policing one of Africa’s most populous cities, the authorities are committed to keeping Lagos safe. “We must remain vigilant,” Egbetokun concluded, stressing that even though bank robberies have significantly declined, the police force is prepared for any potential threats.
