By Emmanuel Daniji

As Lagos prepares for increased movement during the festive season and a busy calendar of official, religious, cultural and political activities, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has met with the state’s security chiefs to review ongoing operations and strengthen security arrangements.

The meeting was held on Tuesday at the State House, Marina, with the governor receiving briefings from the heads of key security agencies on the security situation across the state and measures being considered for the coming months.

Sanwo-Olu assured residents and visitors that the state government would continue working with security agencies to protect lives and property and prevent criminal activities.

“We will not relent on our efforts to ensure that criminals don’t find a place for their evil activities in our state,” the governor said.

The meeting comes as Lagos prepares to receive President Bola Tinubu, who returned to the state on Tuesday ahead of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The President is expected to remain in Lagos through October 1.

Beyond the President’s visit, the state is also preparing for the increased movement that typically accompanies the end-of-year period, with religious, cultural and other public events expected to draw large numbers of residents and visitors.

Political activities are also expected to increase following the commencement of campaigns for the 2027 general elections, adding another layer to the security planning in the state.

Among those at Tuesday’s meeting were Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai; Commander, 9 Brigade, Ikeja, Brigadier-General A.O. Owolabi; Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu; Commander, 651 Base Services Group, Ikeja, Air Commodore M.A. Imam; and Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr Ayodele Ogunsan.

Also present were the governor’s Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Hundeyin; and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro.

The meeting is part of the state’s effort to coordinate the different security agencies as Lagos heads into a period expected to bring heavier human and vehicular movement, major government engagements and increased social activities.

For residents and visitors, the government’s message was that security preparations would continue alongside the busy calendar ahead, with authorities expected to maintain vigilance across the state.